Cinematographer KU Mohanan Recalls Shah Rukh Khan's Daredevil Stunts in Don

Cinematographer KU Mohanan has reflected on the action film Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006), directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Shah Rukh Khan. Marking his first time working on a mainstream commercial feature film, Mohanan faced the challenge of shooting high-octane action sequences with an international team.

Mohanan praised Shah Rukh Khan's commitment to performing his own stunts during chase scenes. According to the cinematographer, Khan drove the car himself during high-speed sequences, hit water barrels and road rollers, and even drove through a fireball without a stunt double. “There was no duplicate. He will do anything you tell him,” Mohanan recalled.

The visual style of the film incorporated a distinct cold colour palette featuring shades of blue, green, and black, developed collaboratively with director Farhan Akhtar, production designer Aradhana Seth, and costume designer Aki Narula. Mohanan noted that the twisted ending brought by Akhtar played a major role in the movie's box office success.

The collaboration on Don established a strong professional bond between Mohanan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Excel Entertainment, leading to future projects including Raees, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Talaash: The Answer Lies Within, and Fukrey.