Filming action sequences is always a thrilling yet risky endeavor. During the production of Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2, a car chase scene took an unexpected turn, resulting in a significant financial loss. Actor Alyy Khan, who shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan in the film, recently recounted the incident.
Known for his charismatic screen presence, Khan confidently drove behind the wheel for a high-speed chase scene filmed in Berlin.Alyy Khan rode shotgun, while director Farhan Akhtar discreetly positioned himself in the backseat to monitor the action without appearing in the shot. They rigged the car with expensive camera equipment, pushing its total value to a staggering 2.5 crore INR (approximately €300,000), making it far from your average vehicle.
The scene involved Priyanka Chopra strategically maneuvering her car near Khan’s vehicle.
He was supposed to deliver the iconic line, “Don ko pakarna mushkil hi nahi, naamumkin hai” (Catching Don is not difficult, it’s impossible), and then speed away in a dramatic escape. The first take reportedly went smoothly, much to the crew’s satisfaction.
However, the second take did not go according to plan. While Chopra flawlessly executed her part, Khan misjudged the turning mark by a few seconds. This critical error resulted in a disastrous collision with another stunt car. The impact was jolting, leaving everyone shaken.Fortunately, no one sustained injuries.
Alyy Khan described the aftermath: “There was a moment of stunned silence. Shah Rukh immediately checked on me to see if I was alright. We all got out to assess the damage. Unfortunately, the expensive camera equipment mounted on the car wasn’t as fortunate. The damage rendered it beyond repair, resulting in a loss of €300,000.
This incident highlights the challenges and potential costs associated with filming action sequences. While Khan’s overconfidence played a role, it also serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning and precision required for such scenes. Despite the setback, the crew likely reshot the scene and continued production of Don 2, which went on to become a commercial success.