Duplicate is a sort of spin-off on the 1978 classic Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan, which would later be remade officially by Farhan Akhtar in two hit films. Duplicate, however, is not very good, although it is slightly enjoyable. Shah Rukh Khan plays two roles, Bablu and Manu, the good and the bad, and he really hams it up in both roles. That being said, he is quite fun and through the role of Bablu and his story we get to see some lovable qualities. He is an innocent cook, very endearing, and has a wonderful relationship with his mother (Farida Jalal). The same cannot be said about the forced villain of Manu, and Bablu remains the main element that makes it partly work, which is only enhanced with the entrance of the lovely and kind Sonia Kapoor (Juhi Chawla). Their interaction is quite heartwarming and entertaining. Juhi Chawla is really wonderful in this film, and she is able to balance Khan's immature Bablu, which could otherwise get on the nerves. Everything else in this film, sadly, is a mess, and it only becomes messier as the story goes on. At many points it is really hard to believe this film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It would be ineffective even for David Dhawan, and towards the end it becomes really mindless, and not very entertaining. Duplicate could be watched for those fond of Shah Rukh Khan, even those willing to forgive his wild, childish overacting which is more than evident in this film. His screen presence, however, remains undiminished, and so is his ability to make fun of himself and to shed all his inhibitions, and that's why fans could give it a half chance.
