📌 Key Points
- The Don franchise, originally starring Amitabh Bachchan and later Shah Rukh Khan, is set for a new installment.
- Ranveer Singh was announced as the new Don, replacing Shah Rukh Khan, with Farhan Akhtar citing a need for a “next-generation actor.”
- Farhan Akhtar acknowledged that the Don role would be a significant and challenging departure for Ranveer Singh’s usual acting style.
- Reports emerged alleging Ranveer Singh accused Farhan Akhtar of considering Hrithik Roshan for the lead role, a star previously approached for Don.
The iconic Don franchise faces new drama as Ranveer Singh steps into Shah Rukh Khan’s shoes. Reports suggest ego clashes between Ranveer and director Farhan Akhtar, with alleged considerations of Hrithik Roshan for the lead role, sparking major industry buzz.
The Legacy of Don: From Amitabh to SRK
When Don first released in 1978, the film introduced Hindi cinema to a suave and sophisticated anti-hero unlike anything audiences had seen before. More importantly, it transformed Amitabh Bachchan — who had just made a career comeback with righteous roles in films like Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie and others — into a stylish gangster with unmatched swagger.
Years later, when Farhan Akhtar decided to remake the original in 2006, he followed a similar playbook. He cast Shah Rukh Khan, who had last truly embraced a dark anti-hero image in 1993’s Darr. Despite mild resistance from Amitabh Bachchan fans, Farhan and Shah Rukh struck gold, with both Don and Don 2 emerging as major blockbusters.
The makers unveiled an announcement video in which Ranveer was seen sitting on a throne, introducing his version of Don.
Farhan also explained why he decided to replace Shah Rukh Khan with Ranveer, saying the franchise needed a “next-generation actor.” However, while speaking to Raj Shamani, Farhan admitted that Don 3 would also be a challenge for Ranveer as an actor.
Ranveer Singh’s Controversial Casting
“Ranveer is mischievous, just full of energy, which is what this needs and he is… I feel when it comes to this aspect of his performance, it’s still untapped. Like I don’t think he has done a role like this. Don requires a very different kind of performance from him. There is a certain holding everything inside that is needed for this character which I don’t think he has done so I feel, for him also, it is a nice challenge to be able to do this. You will see him in a different way,” he had said.
It was also reported that producers were hesitant to mount an expensive project like Don on Ranveer Singh at that point in his career.
Later, reports surfaced claiming that Ranveer had accused Farhan of considering replacing him with his longtime friend Hrithik Roshan. For the uninitiated, Farhan had previously revealed that before Shah Rukh Khan, he had initially approached Hrithik Roshan to play Don. Hrithik had also appeared in a cameo role in Don 2 in 2011.
Behind the Scenes: Ego Clashes & Hrithik Roshan
Nearly two years after the announcement video, Ranveer Singh exited the film in December 2025, shortly after the massive success of Dhurandhar. Reports claimed that the actor was unhappy with the script as well as the repeated production delays.
Reports also stated that industry stalwarts like Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ektaa Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar and Punit Goenka met at Aamir Khan’s Mumbai residence in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably. However, neither Farhan nor Ranveer reportedly agreed to compromise. While Ranveer allegedly showed emails and WhatsApp messages as proof to support his side, Farhan remained firm on seeking compensation.
Fans were excited when they announced their next collaboration, but Don 3 has now transformed from one of Bollywood’s most anticipated films into a project whose future remains uncertain. By the look of things, both Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar seem unwilling to back down despite having shared a close professional relationship in the past.
The Don 3 saga highlights intense pressures and personal dynamics within Bollywood’s biggest franchises. With whispers of ego battles and potential recasting, the film’s future remains a captivating topic for fans and industry insiders.
