Mumbai: Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has addressed the prolonged delays and controversies surrounding Don 3, admitting that the journey has been unpredictable but reaffirming that the project remains close to his heart.
Speaking during a recent interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan reflected on the challenges faced by the film over the past few years and the lessons he has taken from them.
‘Nothing is certain until it’s filmed’
Farhan Akhtar, who last directed Don 2 starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, said that large-scale productions often come with unexpected hurdles.
He remarked that the biggest takeaway from the Don 3 experience has been to “expect the unexpected,” adding that no aspect of filmmaking can be taken for granted until it is actually completed on screen.
Despite the uncertainty, Farhan indicated that Don 3 is still very much in development and described it as one of the “incredible stories” he hopes to bring to audiences.
Ranveer Singh exit sparks controversy
The film has been at the centre of controversy following the reported exit of Ranveer Singh, who was earlier announced as the new face of the franchise.
According to reports, Farhan’s production house Excel Entertainment has approached the Producers Guild of India, alleging that the actor’s last-minute withdrawal resulted in losses of around ₹40 crore.
Ranveer Singh, however, is believed to have stepped away due to dissatisfaction with the script, although no official confirmation has detailed the exact reasons behind his exit.
Hrithik Roshan rumours dismissed
Amid the ongoing speculation, rumours also suggested that Hrithik Roshan was being considered as a replacement for the lead role.
However, Hrithik recently clarified in an interview with Variety India that he was never approached for Don 3. He urged the media to avoid spreading unverified reports and stated that the rumours had taken “a life of their own”.
A franchise with a legacy
The Don franchise traces its origins back to the 1978 classic Don starring Amitabh Bachchan.
Farhan Akhtar revived the series with a modern remake in 2006, followed by Don 2 in 2011, both featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The films were commercially successful and helped establish the franchise among a new generation of viewers.
In 2023, Farhan had officially announced that Ranveer Singh would headline Don 3, signalling what he described as “a new era” for the series. However, recent developments have cast uncertainty over casting and timelines.
Future of Don 3
While the project continues to face hurdles, Farhan Akhtar’s latest comments suggest that Don 3 is far from being shelved. His emphasis on perseverance and creative commitment indicates that efforts are ongoing to bring the film back on track.
Industry observers believe that once casting and script-related concerns are resolved, the film could regain momentum, given the strong legacy and fan following of the franchise.
Conclusion
Farhan Akhtar’s candid remarks highlight the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, especially for high-profile franchises like Don. Despite multiple setbacks, his continued commitment offers hope that Don 3 will eventually materialise, albeit on a revised timeline.