Farhan Akhtar's last directorial venture remains the 2011 film Don 2, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. Since then, there has been consistent speculation regarding the third film in the Don franchise, with the most recent development concerning Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh’s withdrawal from the cast.
After Singh's much-publicised walkout from the project, Akhtar's Excel Entertainment approached The Producers Guild of India, claiming that Singh’s last-minute exit from the film resulted in losses of approximately ₹40 crore. The actor, reportedly, accused the company of “unprofessionalism” and claimed that Akhtar focused on other commitments instead of Don 3. It was further claimed that the actor was only re-approached to build on the success of Dhurandhar.
Akhtar had also reportedly presented documentation before the Producer's Guild to counter Ranveer’s claims regarding his dissatisfaction with the script, and mentioned how he was eager to be the third generation of Don after tentpole personalities Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan Akhtar said that a lot has transpired over the last couple of years, and he has learnt to “expect the unexpected”. “Nothing can be taken for granted till you actually have it on film," he noted, with reference to how this period has been more challenging than earlier.
Despite the uncertainty, Akhtar maintained that Don 3 remains close to him creatively. He described it as one of the “incredible stories” he wants to tell, signalling that the project is still in consideration rather than being shelved.
Akhtar's other directorial project, Jee Le Zaraa, has also faced hurdles. The filmmaker, nevertheless, expressed confidence in his craft and capabilities, citing decades-long experience in an uncertain field. “I have worked with enough people who know what kind of person I am, and what I bring to the table every single time I go into work — and that’s what is going to sail me through," he said.
Watch the full conversation with Farhan Akhtar on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel.
