"Don" is a 2006 Indian action-thriller film directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani. The movie is a remake of the 1978 Hindi film of the same name, which starred Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. The 2006 version stars Shah Rukh Khan as the titular character, Don, a notorious criminal mastermind.
The film follows the story of a police officer named D'Silva, played by Boman Irani, who is tasked with capturing Don, a powerful criminal who has eluded law enforcement for years. However, when D'Silva finally manages to catch Don, he realizes that the criminal has a doppelganger, Vijay, who looks exactly like him. D'Silva comes up with a plan to use Vijay to infiltrate Don's gang and help the police bring him to justice.
The movie also stars Priyanka Chopra, who plays Roma, a woman who has a personal vendetta against Don and becomes involved in D'Silva's plan to catch him. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success at the box office, leading to a sequel, "Don 2", which was released in 2011.
"Don 2" was also directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani. It stars Shah Rukh Khan reprising his role as Don, and Priyanka Chopra returning as Roma. The film is set five years after the events of the first film and follows Don's plan to pull off a daring heist in Berlin, Germany, while being pursued by both the Indian police and his enemies in the criminal underworld.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $44 million worldwide. It also featured a supporting cast that included Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, and Om Puri.
There were talks of a third installment in the series, with director Farhan Akhtar stating that he had started working on the script in 2015. However, as of 2021, no official announcement has been made regarding the production of "Don 3".
The "Don" franchise has become one of the most successful and popular film series in Bollywood, with its slick action sequences, memorable characters, and stylish direction. Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of Don has been widely praised, and the character has become one of his most iconic roles.
In addition to its success at the box office, the "Don" franchise has also been well-received by critics, who have praised its smart writing, stylish direction, and memorable performances. The films have also been noted for their impressive action sequences, which feature elaborate stunts and high-tech gadgets.
The success of the "Don" franchise has also had a significant impact on Bollywood, with many other films in the action-thriller genre being inspired by its style and tone. The films have also helped to establish Shah Rukh Khan as one of the most popular and bankable stars in Bollywood.
Apart from the films, the "Don" franchise has also spawned a number of other media properties, including a video game and a comic book series. The video game, titled "Don: The Chase Begins Again," was released in 2006 and allowed players to take on the role of either Don or the police officer chasing him. The comic book series, titled "Don: The Origin," was launched in 2014 and explores the backstory of the character.
Overall, the "Don" franchise has become a beloved part of Bollywood cinema, known for its stylish direction, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences. While fans eagerly await news of a third film in the series, the first two films continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
In addition to the films, the "Don" franchise has also produced hit soundtracks. The first film's music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, was particularly popular and featured hit songs such as "Main Hoon Don" and "Aaj Ki Raat." The second film's music was composed by the trio again and featured songs like "Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo" and "Mujhko Pehchaanlo."
The success of the "Don" franchise has also led to its influence on other films and TV shows. In 2011, the Hollywood film "Fast Five" was released, which was noted for its similarity in style and tone to the "Don" films. The TV show "Quantico," starring Priyanka Chopra, also featured a storyline in its second season that was inspired by the "Don" franchise.
Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his interest in continuing the "Don" franchise, and fans have eagerly awaited news of a third film in the series. In a 2018 interview, he stated that he was working on the script for "Don 3" and that the film would be made when the script was ready. However, as of 2021, no official announcement has been made regarding the production of the film.
"Don" franchise has become a cultural phenomenon in India and has left a lasting impact on Bollywood cinema. Its iconic characters, thrilling action sequences, and memorable music have made it a favorite of fans around the world, and its influence can be seen in many other films and TV shows.
The success of the "Don" franchise has also had a significant impact on the careers of its lead actors and director. Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of Don has become one of his most iconic roles, and his performance in the films has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The films have also helped to establish Priyanka Chopra as a leading actress in Bollywood, and her performance as Roma has been noted for its strength and complexity.
Director Farhan Akhtar, who helmed both films in the franchise, has become one of the most sought-after directors in Bollywood, known for his unique style and innovative approach to storytelling. He has since gone on to direct a number of other successful films, including "Rock On!!" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara."
The "Don" franchise has also had a significant impact on the Indian film industry as a whole. Its success has helped to establish the action-thriller genre as a major force in Bollywood, and has inspired other filmmakers to create similar films. The franchise has also demonstrated the power of a strong brand and the potential for successful film franchises in India.
Overall, the "Don" franchise remains one of the most successful and iconic film series in Bollywood. Its memorable characters, thrilling action sequences, and stylish direction have made it a beloved part of Indian cinema, and its influence can be seen in many other films and TV shows. While fans eagerly await news of a third film in the series, the first two films continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.