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Don Cinematographer: SRK Drove Through Fire, No Doubles!
20 Oct
Summary
- Shah Rukh Khan performed dangerous stunts without a double.
- The film aimed for an international look, breaking Bollywood norms.
- A unique green color palette defined the movie's visual style.
Released 20 years ago, Farhan Akhtar's "Don: The Chase Begins Again" starring Shah Rukh Khan achieved box office success, partly due to its innovative approach. Cinematographer KU Mohanan, working on his first mainstream commercial film, recalled initial apprehension but embraced the challenge. He highlighted the film's high-octane action sequences, many performed in real-time with minimal visual effects, thanks to a skilled international team and the lead actor's commitment.
Mohanan praised Shah Rukh Khan's unparalleled dedication, noting that Khan performed extremely dangerous stunts, including driving a car through a fireball, without any body doubles. Khan's willingness to take risks impressed Mohanan, fostering a strong professional bond that led to future collaborations on films like "Raees" and "Jab Harry Met Sejal." The film's distinctive visual style, featuring a cold color palette of blues, greens, and blacks, intentionally broke from the typical vibrant tones of Bollywood at the time.
The cinematographer also expressed admiration for the film's revisited climax, which included a significant twist, suggesting this creative deviation from the original 1978 "Don" was crucial to its reception. This unique blend of daring action, international cinematic flair, and a fresh narrative approach cemented "Don" as a landmark film in Hindi cinema.
