Bollywood Action Gets A Boost From DON 2

Back in 2006 director Farhan Akhtar and actors Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, and Boman Irani brought one of the finest Bollywood action films yet to the screen with the remake of Amitabh Bachchan's classic 1978 film, Don.  The film was a major success and truly is thoroughly entertaining, if more than a little confusing.  It is a mix of Matrix-styled stunts, globe trotting James Bond-style chases, and your classic Bollywood dance numbers with the music provided by some of my personal favorites, Shankar-Eshaan-Loy.  In fact, one of the numbers, Aaj Ki Raat, is featured in Slumdog Millionaire, during that creepy Boogie Nights-esque party scene near the end.

Well, one thing that does not differ between Bollywood and Hollywood is the sequel principle.  Don madke a ton of rupees, so Akhtar, Khan, Chopra, and special surprise guest star Hrithik Roshan are back on the chase to catch Don.  Shah Rukh Khan went directly from completing his sci-fi/superhero epic Ra.One in London and Mumbai to shooting Don 2 in Berlin.  At this point there isn't much beyond paparazzi photos of the set to speak of, but there have already been reports of some serious car chase action and near misses, with Khan driving into a very expensive camera in one stunt shot gone wrong. 

Bollywood does not mess around when it comes to scope, I'll tell you that much.  So I would expect some very scenic destruction.  I really enjoyed the first Don and I recommend it highly to anyone looking for an entry point into modern Indian action films.

Don 2 is due before the end of 2011.