The bad boys of Don (1978)

The bevy of baddies greatly added to the thrill of this crime caper that remains the ultimate symbol of retro cool in Hindi cinema..

Chandra Barot’s Don (1978) is a classic for numerous reasons. The stylish action thriller has ’70s Bachchan swag in full glory, Salim-Javed’s sharp storytelling, iconic dialogues, and a phenomenal score by Kalyanji Anandji that has stood the test of time. But what draws me most to the crime caper is the bevy of baddies in its ensemble cast. They are the quintessential Seventies Bollywood faces, whose presence elevates the thrill of watching this gloriously entertaining fare. One that has immense rewatch value and remains the ultimate symbol of retro cool in Hindi cinema.

Seventies Hindi cinema has had its share of flamboyant films. Some have aged alright in parts. Some appear to be a relic of that era. Don, however, is one of the very few films that still holds up for its great plot, stylish frames, and fantastic pace. Not once does it feel dull, nor are there any narrative excesses.

Moreover, Don’s fashion was a rage. And why not? Three-piece suits in pastels, oversized tinted sunglasses, snazzy silk scraves, wide-collared shirts, and check blazers—costume veteran Mani Rabadi and Mrs Salma Irani (also the wife of the film’s producer, Nariman Irani) absolutely went to town.

Don is about the titular character, a sly and savvy mob boss, famously chased by “gyaarah mulkon ki police” with no success. When he dies suddenly during a police chase, a canny cop trains Don’s lookalike Vijay to infiltrate his gang and bring it down. So a major part of the film revolves around Don’s cohorts and henchmen. The makers create a brilliant rogues’ gallery—fabulous and filmi—who compliment the protagonist’s charisma and coolness.

On the top of the lot is Kamal Kapoor as Don’s dangerous and debonair right-hand man, Narang. Full name: Shyam Narang (as DSP D’Silva (Iftekhar) mentions in the beginning of the film). The light-eyed actor famous for playing crooked characters becomes the ring’s top lieutenant, whose job profile includes orchestrating heists, escaping from police custody, and maintaining the famous red diary that details all their nefarious activities.

Mac Mohan is the snazzily dressed Mac. When he isn’t tagging along with Narang to carry out the task of the day, he can be seen enjoying a game of cards.

Yusuf Khan/Yashraj as Vikram: Amar Akbar Anthony’s (1977) famed Zebisko flaunts a funky wardrobe, flexes muscles, throws around sexist insults, and gets beaten up by Zeenat Aman’s Roma. In the film, the actor is credited by his other screen name, Yashraj.

Sharad Kumar as Ramesh: The member of the syndicate and Roma’s brother who wants to break free from the world of crime and pays with his life.

The default member of every ’70s Hindi actioner, the stern-faced MB Shetty, is Shaakaal, Don’s menacing henchman, who prefers not being disturbed during his evening round of drinks.

Azaad Irani as Azaad: Another familiar face in the list of Bollywood villains of that era, Azaad’s skills are sought when there are captives to be threatened or brawls to be started.

Devraj as Ashok. He is the one threatening Jasjit’s (Pran) circus employer and later on Vijay during the lockup scene.

Shakeel: One may recognise him from Deewaar (1975) as Daavar’s gang member Kumar. Here he is an unnamed member of Don’s syndicate who can be seen prominently during the song, Jiska mujhe tha intezaar.

Ranvir Raj: The actor often appears in minor roles in Gulzar’s films. In Don, he features as one of the steady members of the syndicate.

Gurjinder Virk: The long-haired, unnamed gang member who can be spotted in various scenes.