From defending Ranveer Singh against backlash over replacing SRK to seeking ₹45 crore after his exit, a look at the tumultuous journey of Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3.

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.

Don 3 announced with Ranveer
In August 2023, Farhan finally put months of speculation to rest by announcing Ranveer Singh as the “next generation” Don. From playing the menacing Khilji in Padmaavat to portraying a slum boy-turned-rapper in Farhan’s own Gully Boy, Ranveer had already proved his versatility as an actor, making him a natural choice for the rebooted franchise.

The makers unveiled an announcement video in which Ranveer was seen sitting on a throne, introducing his version of Don.

Ranveer faced backlash for replacing Shah Rukh
However, if one looked at the comments section of the announcement video, the backlash was impossible to ignore. Many fans were unwilling to accept Shah Rukh Khan being replaced by Ranveer Singh — especially at a time when the actor had delivered three back-to-back box office failures with 83, Jayeshbhai Jordaar and Cirkus. The announcement video faced intense trolling online.

Ranveer Singh asked for ‘one chance’
But Ranveer wasn’t willing to back down. Speaking on Koffee With Karan, he addressed the backlash directly and requested audiences to give him a fair chance. “Ek chance dedo, 12–13 saal me thik thak hi kaam kiya hai maine, toh ek mauka toh banta hai (Give me a chance; I have done decent work in the last 12-13 years, so I deserve a chance),” he said.

Farhan defended Ranveer against backlash
Farhan Akhtar too came out strongly in Ranveer’s support. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Farhan called Ranveer a “really good and versatile actor” and insisted that he was not worried about the actor leading the third film of the franchise. “I am not worried and he shouldn’t be either,” he had said. Farhan further added that “without a shadow of a doubt” Ranveer would deliver an “absolutely banging performance” in the film.