Farhan Akhtar’s ambitious reboot of the iconic Don franchise appears to have fallen victim to a series of setbacks, creative differences, and production hurdles that have left the project in limbo. What began as a promising handover of one of Bollywood’s most stylish characters has now become one of the industry’s most complicated and legally contested ventures.
The troubles trace back to Shah Rukh Khan’s departure. After Don 2 (2011) delivered strong box-office returns and showcased SRK’s charismatic take on the underworld don, expectations for a third instalment were high. However, delays mounted as Farhan Akhtar focused more on his acting career with films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Meanwhile, SRK faced a string of commercial disappointments, prompting Excel Entertainment to proceed cautiously.
By 2023, following SRK’s resurgence with Pathaan, the two sides reportedly found themselves creatively misaligned. Shah Rukh Khan opted for grander action spectacles, leading to his official exit from Don 3 in May 2023.
Excel Entertainment then made a bold move by casting Ranveer Singh as the new Don in 2023. The announcement generated significant buzz, positioning Singh as the successor to Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Preparations advanced, including action training funded by the producers.
Yet, weeks before filming was scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, Ranveer Singh withdrew. Industry sources indicate that his breakout success with Dhurandhar shifted his priorities. Reports also point to ongoing script concerns, alleged creative differences, and questions over budget and commitment levels from the production house. Excel Entertainment claimed to have invested nearly ₹45 crore in pre-production, including location scouting and set design, and sought compensation from the actor.
The dispute escalated when Excel approached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which briefly issued a non-cooperation directive against Singh. The federation later withdrew the measure on June 3 after appeals and considering the broader interests of the film industry.
Efforts at mediation reportedly involved several prominent figures, including Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar. Personal relationships were also strained, particularly Singh’s long-standing collaboration with Zoya Akhtar. Singh reportedly offered ₹10 crore as a settlement, which was declined.
As Excel Entertainment searches for a new lead, the Don franchise built on the myth of an elusive master criminal now finds itself struggling to regain direction.
-
-
-
-
