:~:~Article~*~SRK returns in Don II :~:~:

Farhan Akhtar says he will make a sequel to his stylish remake of Don, with Shah Rukh Khan again playing the baddie hero. Bandra boy Farhan had considered making a sequel, if Don turned out to be a hit, which it did, both in India and with audiences around the world. It was also critically acclaimed for its crisp, new-age take on the Bachchan classic.

We reminded Farhan, son of legendary Bollywood writer Javed Akhtar, of his desire to make a sequel. He said: "I know I said this, and I will make Don II, after this new project." The 'new project' that Farhan spoke of is a film he has called Voice from the Sky, which he is currently scripting. "I have started work on Voice (though I may later change the name). Right now I am waiting for the release of Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd," Farhan smiled.

His waiting ends today (Friday) with the release of Honeymoon Travels..., a gentle comedy far removed from the action-packed Don. Shah Rukh had spoken of his desire to produce the sequel to Don last year and we asked Farhan if this was happening. "Shah Rukh will be back as Don but no, he will not produce the film," Farhan said.

SRK had also said he would be "more evil in the next Don," and so it is likely that the details of the story or at least the plot has been discussed if not fleshed out with the team that made the first movie. Others in the first movie were also excited by news of the sequel. Chunky Pandey, who is shot by Shah Rukh in the opening sequences of the film said: "If Don II is made, then perhaps I'll be back in the film. I was shown to have been shot by Don, but not shown dead. So there's a chance the producers might call me again!"

One of the new brigade of Bollywood along with Karan Johar, who have redefined storytelling through modern and upper-middle class (and rich) protagonists, Farhan is also credited with taking Hindi movies a notch up to compete with the best in the world in production values. His first movie Dil Chahta Hai (2001), set in his neighbourhood of Bandra, was the first film of its type.
Co-producing Honeymoon Travels... with his partner Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan was also supposed to act in the film, a part that eventually went to Abhay Deol. The handsome director will now debut in an English film to be released later this year, Fakir, directed by ad filmmaker Anand Surapur.

Chandrika Bhattacharya

Friday, 23 February, 2007