Don

“Don” is a 2022 Tamil-language coming-of-age comedy drama that is directed and written by Cibi Chakaravarthi in his directorial debut. The movie features Sivakarthikeyan portraying Chakaravarthi, joined by S. J. Suryah, Samuthirakani, Priyanka Mohan, and Soori. The movie is about a bewildered engineering student who keeps looking for his life's passion and continuously gets into a battle of wits with authority.

“Chakaravarthi” (Sivakarthikeyan), a successful director by now, recollects his experiences from his college life. While he was a student, he was compelled by his strict father, “Ganesan” (Samuthirakani), to pursue engineering studies because he showed no interest in education. In Best Engineering College (BEC), he fantasises about a carefree college life but instead faces strict discipline from the no-nonsense professor “Bhoominathan” (S. J. Suryah), who commands respect from all his students.

Battling pressure from his father and college regulations, Chakaravarthi comes up with a master plan to send Bhoominathan off to Russia. This deed earns him the title "Don" among his friends. He rekindles his school sweetheart, “Angaiyarkanni” (Priyanka Mohan), and after some twists and turns, wins her back through a touching short film that also brings her back to her father.

However, the peace is short-lived. Bhoominathan returns and unmasks the conspiracies of Chakaravarthi. Ganesan gets to know the reality of his son's mediocre academic performance and clandestine desire to become a filmmaker. Chakaravarthi leaves home after an angry argument. His untimely death makes Ganesan emotionally scarred. With support from Bhoominathan, Chakaravarthi gives filmmaking another shot, turning his short film into a blockbuster.

“Don” is a light-hearted blend of humour, emotion, and lessons from life. Sivakarthikeyan excels in a very natural role depicting every young man's identity crisis and parental expectation struggle. Entertaining yet emotional, with a strong message on pursuing passion, the film is a light yet strong movie with wonderful music, humour, and sentiment.