Following the highly successful Doctor, Sivakarthikeyan is back with his next release, Don which has hit the screens today. Amidst huge expectations, this Cibi Chakaravarthi directorial, also starring SJ Suryah, Priyanka Mohan, and Samuthirakani,  is out and here's our take on the film. 

STORY: 
Don traces the life story of Chakaravarthi (Sivakarthikeyan) from his teenage years to his early 30s, with the college life consuming 99% of the story. The film deals with Chakaravarthi's search for the purpose of his life, his passion and how his Principal Boominathan (SJ Suryah) and father (Samuthirakani) act as villains.  Who among the three ended up winning and how did college life shape up Chakaravarthi's personal life forms the crux. 

SCREENPLAY, DIALOGUES, & DIRECTION: 
Debut director Cibi Chakravarthi sticks to his basics and succeeds to a great extent in presenting a fun entertainer. He has packaged the film in a commercially likeable pattern and interestingly, has incorporated several contemporary pop culture references. The college moments in Don are highly enjoyable and director Cibi thoughtfully delivers some really interesting scenes. The second half, especially, is a solid roller coaster of emotions. Once the film picks up from the midpoint, there is no look back at all and director Cibi delivers an interesting scene one after another. The entire short film sequence inside the college is a fun riot.

The comedy and emotions work in tandem, giving us a joy ride. While coming out of the theatre, there are high chances that you come out with a smile, feeling content. Samuthirakani's character has the potential to connect really well with the youth audience and Cibi has conceived the father-son relationship in an appreciable manner. The best part about Don is that it has its heart in the right place. Director Cibi has cleverly handled the emotions understanding the pulse of the audience and it looks like Kollywood has got a promising filmmaker. Kudos to Sivakarthikeyan for finding Cibi and trusting in his ideas. When the majority thought Don would be a time pass entertainer, SK, Cibi, and their team have surprised us with some thoughtful takeaways.

While the film is majorly positive and is a winner, there are a few minor issues that could be let go. The film starts off on a slower note and you need to wait for the moments to kickstart. The romantic portions in the second half, being a commercial addition, slightly seems out of place. The rain-car drive sequences that come in between the college portions could've probably been executed in a much more impactful manner with better technical finesse. 

CAST: 
Sivakarthikeyan tops the game with a very impressive performance and with a delightful and charming screen presence, he makes you sit through. Be it fun, comedy, romance, or emotions, he gives it all for the film. SJ Suryah is a complete livewire. He delivers a terrific performance that stands out as one of the best aspects of the film. SK and SJ Suryah together strike a good equation and it is their collaborative effort that makes the proceedings interesting.

Samuthirakani puts out yet another earnest performance as Don's father and the last 30 minutes surrounding his character is a surprise package. Priyanka Mohan is natural and likeable in a sweet role that acts as a support system to the protagonist. Vijay, Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, Sivaangi, Kaali Venkat, and the rest of the supporting cast are fine in their respective roles. 

TECHNICAL: 
Anirudh Ravichander's songs pack the punch, while the background score also lends fair support, especially in the emotional sequences. KM Bhaskaran's visuals look glossy and give the film a neat outlook. Except for the unsteady transition between the college moments and rain-car drive, Nagooran's edit comes in handy. 

SO? 
With the college fun moments and emotions working effectively, supplemented by strong performances, this Don will be loved by the masses!