Mumbai: Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 has been in the news constantly, even though the film has not gone on floors yet. However, at this point, a new report indicates that Shah Rukh Khan may revive the franchise and come back to playing a popular character Don, with one condition.
Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan is ready to make a return to the Don franchise and, according to a report by TellyChakkar, the actor is even ready to play the titular role once again. However, the superstar has allegedly asked the makers to bring Jawan director Atlee on board before he gives his final nod to the film.
SRK’s Condition for Don 3
As per reports, Shah Rukh Khan wants Atlee to be associated with Don 3 to elevate the film’s scale and boost excitement among audiences. Following the huge success of the Jawan, the actor is said to think that the presence of Atlee would introduce a new vitality and broad scenery to the franchise.
At the moment, these discussions are said to be informal and verbal. Nothing has been signed or officially confirmed by Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar, or the production team. It remains to be seen how Farhan, who directed Don and Don 2, will respond to this reported request.
Why Ranveer Singh Walked Out of Don 3
It was first announced that Ranveer Singh will replace Shah Rukh Khan as the next Don. But the popularity of Dhurandhar led the actor to apparently abandon the project. According to a Pinkvilla report, Ranveer is now keen on collaborating with filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Atlee.
The report further added that Ranveer was not willing to do two consecutive gangster movies, particularly now that Dhurandhar has already placed Ranveer solidly in that field. This shift in priorities eventually led to his exit from Don 3.
Casting Changes and Uncertain Lineup
Don 3 was initially planned with Kiara Advani as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh. But according to recent reports, she has also dropped the project and Kriti Sanon is suggested as her replacement. Up till now, no official announcement of the female lead is made.
The antagonist role has also seen multiple changes. It has been reported that actors such as Vikrant Massey and Vijay Deverakonda were approached to do the role and they turned down the role citing that the role was not given enough depth.
Legacy of the Don Franchise
The Don franchise began in 1978 with Amitabh Bachchan playing the iconic underworld boss in the Chandra Barot-directed film. The movie went on to become the third highest-grossing Indian film of that year and later achieved cult status.
In 2006, Farhan Akhtar rebooted the franchise with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Don: The Chase Begins Again, Don 2: The King Is Back, with Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, and Om Puri in the leading roles, were not only huge hits but also among the five highest-grossing Hindi films of their years.
With Ranveer Singh out and Shah Rukh Khan possibly stepping back in, Don 3 is once again at a crucial turning point. While fans are excited at the idea of seeing SRK as Don again, everything now depends on whether the makers agree to his reported condition. The future of Don 3 is one of the most talked about topics in Bollywood until an official announcement is made.
