This week, the internet broke into a frenzy when the poster for Don 3 was released. The excitement has only grown since, given that the teaser revealed that the baton of playing the iconic gangster had now been passed to Ranveer Singh. It also marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to the director’s chair after 2006, when he last helmed Don 2.
A little history lesson for the Gen-Zers: The very first Don, which was released back in 1978, was written by prolific screenwriter duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar and embodied by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. In 2003, Farhan Akhtar decided to remake the movie with a twist, featuring Shah Rukh Khan as the titular character and he followed it up with Don 2 in 2006.
17 years later, there’s a new gangster in town. The teaser kicks off with a mysterious hooded figure seated in a chair, setting the tone for a triumphant return. As a voice-over hints at a comeback, the anticipation builds until Ranveer Singh’s face is finally unveiled, and he delivers the film’s iconic line with aplomb, declaring, “Main hoon Don.”
Aside from directing Don 3, Farhan Akhtar has also written and co-produced it with Ritesh Sidhwani. While no concrete release date has been revealed, fans can expect to see the film in theatres come 2025.
Until then, let’s embark on a nostalgic journey through Bollywood sequels that successfully carried forward the legacy of their original films:
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Dhoom 2 took the franchise to a whole new level, and Hrithik Roshan’s charismatic portrayal of a suave thief had us cheering for the antagonist for a change. The exhilarating chase sequences, heart-stopping stunts, the iconic music and choreography as well as the sizzling chemistry between Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan made this sequel a high-octane ride worth revisiting.
Watch it here.
Krrish (2006)
Hrithik Roshan, once again, stole the show in Krrish, donning the cape of India’s beloved superhero. The film’s emotional depth, breathtaking visuals and Roshan’s endearing performance ensured the legacy of Koi... Mil Gaya was carried forward with panache.
Watch it here.
Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
The laughter riot of Hera Pheri continued with Phir Hera Pheri, which reunited the iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Their hilarious misadventures and impeccable comic timing ensured that the sequel was a rib-tickling success.
Watch it here.
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
The roller-coaster of emotions continued in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, where Kangana Ranaut not only reprised her character but played a double role, leaving the audience in splits with her impeccable comic timing. The film’s seamless transition from romance to comedy ensured a memorable cinematic experience.
Watch it here.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
The heartwarming and humorous continuation of the Munna Bhai series, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, saw Sanjay Dutt’s character embracing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. With its socially relevant themes and exceptional performances, the film stayed true to the spirit of its predecessor.
Watch it here.
Golmaal Returns (2008)
Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Returns carried forward the hilarious antics of the original film, with a zany ensemble cast delivering sidesplitting performances. The film’s slapstick humour and comic misunderstandings kept the laughter quotient high, making it a worthy successor to the beloved Golmaal: Fun Unlimited.
Watch it here.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
S.S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali 2: The Conclusion took the nation by storm with its spectacular visuals, gripping narrative and larger-than-life characters. Carrying forward the saga of the original, the sequel provided answers to the lingering questions while introducing even more awe-inspiring moments, solidifying its place in cinematic and box office history.
Watch it here.
