Farhan Akhtar’s Declaration of “Don 3” reportedly starring Ranveer Singh Sparks Fan Outcry in Comments, Urging Shah Rukh Khan’s Comeback to the Franchise.
Farhan Akhtar has given the fans of his Don franchise what they needed — well, almost. He’s teased the announcement of Don 3, but has also confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan will not reprise his memorable titular role in the threequel.
Farhan Akhtar Shares Teaser Video
Farhan took to his social media on Tuesday to share an announcement teaser video. While his post was sans any caption, the teaser did all the talking. It put the spotlight on the number ‘3’ written at the centre of the screen. The font and style of the figure is eerily familiar. If there were any stones left unturned, the background music sounded like a faint rehashed version of the Don title track ‘Main Hoon Don.’
The official handle of IMDb India commented on Farhan’s post, “11 mulkon ki police want to know the release date.” Farhan’s sister and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also commented, “Boom (explosion emoji).”
The New Era Begins?
What also got the attention of the internet was the line ‘A New Era Begins.’ Fans of the franchise then started wondering if that implies Shah Rukh wouldn’t return as the titular character in the threequel. Reports suggest Ranveer Singh has been cast as the new Don.
Farhan took to Twitter a few hours later and posted a long note that confirmed a new actor will take the legacy of Don forward. “Joining us in this new interpretation will be an actor whose talent and versatility I have long admired. We hope that you will show him the love you have so graciously and generously shown to Mr. Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan,” the note concluded.
Reactions of Fans
A user wrote in the comment section on Instagram, “I don’t think so any other actor can match the swag of SRK in Don….#nosrknodon3.” Another wrote, “No Shah Rukh Khan sir, No Don3.” A third user commented, “No one wants any new era without srk.” Another user posted a GIF from Don, in which Shah Rukh is asking, “Is it me you’re looking for?”
However, the ‘new era’ announcement also stirred a debate on the internet. Many urged the others to give it a fresh chance as Shah Rukh’s Don was also an official remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s 1978 gangster film Don. A user wrote in the comment section, “Wow, such negative comments about Don3 not featuring SRK. The Original Don was screened earlier this year at the Sydney Film Festival. I’m yet to see any version of the original Don (feat. Big B) that’s closer to it. Keep at the attempt Farhan and team, you might get close to it this time.”
Another user supported the argument by writing, “Logo ko… Pehle Shahrukh Khan se problem thi… Abhi Shah Rukh Khan nahi hai toh bhi problem hai nahi dekhna hai toh Ghar pe suryawansham dekho free me .. Farhan ne .. New Era.. kuch dikhaya hai toh kuch toh Naya hoga.. itna bhi nakli mat bano (People had an issue with Shah Rukh playing Don initially. Now, if there’s no Shah Rukh, then you can stick to watching Sooryavansham at home. At least Farhan is trying to attempt something new with the ‘new era.’ Don’t be so fake).
Ranveer Singh to replace Shah Rukh Khan?
As per media reports, Ranveer Singh is likely to replace Shah Rukh in the titular character. Don 3 will be produced by Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. It will be written and directed by Farhan, who will return to that turf over 12 years after Don 2. The first two instalments of the gangster thriller franchise, Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), starred Shah Rukh and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.
Disclaimer: Except for the headline and synopsis, this story has been taken from the HT News Service