Shah Rukh Khan's 2006 action thriller 'Don', directed by Farhan Akhtar, is marking its 20th anniversary. The film, which also starred Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, and Boman Irani, was a major box-office success and remains a landmark example of a Bollywood remake that succeeded commercially and critically.

Before filming began, the lead cast underwent intensive physical preparation, including martial arts training from a Shaolin Temple expert to execute authentic fight sequences. Priyanka Chopra, making her debut in an action role as Roma, performed all her own stunts without a body double and deliberately avoided watching the original 1978 Amitabh Bachchan film to ensure her portrayal felt fresh. Director Akhtar supported this approach as it enabled close-angle cinematography of the action sequences. Arjun Rampal brought emotional depth to his character while Boman Irani preserved the dignity of his original role within the new screenplay.

Production began in February 2006 with initial shoots in Mumbai across real locations, Film City, and Yash Raj Studios to maintain local authenticity. The majority of filming—approximately 80 percent—took place in Malaysia, with seventy days of shooting across forty-two locations and over one thousand local extras. A notable achievement was securing permission to film inside the Petronas Towers and the personal office of then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a privilege previously denied to Hollywood productions. Authentic local journalists were hired for a media ambush scene to enhance realism.

The soundtrack, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, became historically significant as the first Indian soundtrack to launch simultaneously on iTunes. Songs like 'Aaj Ki Raat' became club anthems and gained global recognition. Upon its theatrical release in late 2006, the film's distinctive visual style, high-speed chase sequences, and climactic twist resonated strongly with audiences. The marketing campaign was extensive, featuring mobile multiplayer games and complimentary comic books distributed at multiplexes.

Two decades later, the film's energy, stylistic elements, and overall production quality remain compelling to audiences, cementing its status as a rewatchable action classic.