Don: A Classic Movie Remade

The 2006 movie ‘Don’ was indeed an iconic film. 

a remake of the 1978 film of the same name, but starring the legendary star of all times, Amitabh Bachchan.

The remake was actually an Excel Entertainment film named “Don – The Chase Begins Again” directed by Farhan Akhtar, and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani & Akhtar’s production company. The remake follows the same storyline of an official criminal look-alike sent, on a secret mission to double up for Don, who had previously been wounded and was believed dead following a chase. The plot involves the intended penetration into the drug mafia to learn their plans and finally destroy them.

The star cast of the film includes Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles, with Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri and Isha Kopikar in the supporting roles. In fact, one can say that all actors did a great job doing justice to their respective roles.

The screenplay of the film was written by Farhan Akhtar in coordination of his father Javed Akhter who incidentally wrote the original script with Salim Khan. Farhan Akhtar wanted to give the film a contemporary look and style, compared to the original one so that it appealed to the modern audience and would be in accordance with modern times. It was during the production of the remake that the rights of the original film were bought by the director and adapted to the new version, paying homage to the cast and crew of the films and also to the 1970s period. Although there were not many changes in the main plot, some changes were certainly made by ending the film on a different note. The shooting of the film began in Mumbai but to give it a little gorgeous and international setting, 80% of the movie was actually shot in Malaysia.

The music of the film was rhythmic and romantic at the same time, with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composing the soundtrack, while the lyrics were written by Javed Akhtar.

The songs sung by Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Alisha Chinai and a few others received favorable reviews by all including the music critics. Although a couple of songs recreated from the original film received mixed reactions, the song “Aaj Ki Raat” was the best song in the entire soundtrack, and was widely acclaimed.

The film was released at a very favorable time coinciding with the festive season in India. The film was very well received by the general public as well as by the film critics. Everything from the production, the performances of the stars, to action scenes, music and the cinematography, were all praised beyond expectations. The remake of the original proved to be a great commercial success, and was rated as the fifth highest grossing Indian movie in 2006. Thus the film “Don” (the remake) can be called an eclectic mix of the past and present and everything in between, having the best of both the old and the new. The film, though a lavish enterprise, was well received and praised by one and all. It was a classic arrangement of old wine in a new decanter.