Farhan Akhtar isn’t giving up on Don 3. He says it’s a fantastic story he wants to tell, even though discussions about the supposed losses are continuing without a final agreement; it’s been a bumpy ride for months after Ranveer Singh quit and people started saying the film was cancelled.
Farhan Akhtar on Don 3 and delays
Akhtar admits the past few years have been difficult for him. He’s learned to expect anything to happen, and that you shouldn’t assume something is done until you see it actually on the film.
But you can definitely tell he’s committed. He’s described Don 3 as one of the great stories he wants to create, which shows the project isn’t over.
Inside the fallout after Ranveer Singh’s exit
The problems began when Singh prominently left the movie. Excel Entertainment apparently went to the Producers Guild of India saying that last minute changes to plans cost them about 40 crore rupees.
Singh’s side reportedly said Akhtar wasn’t professional, and that Akhtar put his other jobs before Don 3. They also said the actor was only asked to do the film again after Dhurandhar had done well.
Throughout all this argument, Akhtar is said to have given the Guild documents that disprove Singh’s complaints. He has expressed being enthusiastic about continuing the ‘Don’t which was started by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Here are the key stated positions from both sides:
– Excel cites losses from pre production and schedule changes
– Singh cites script concerns and project management issues
– Excel seeks reimbursement; Singh disputes liability
Conflicting settlement claims and status check
Recently, there was talk of a quiet deal where Singh would pay back roughly 10 crore rupees for the work done before filming. Some even suggested he would get a share of the profits from a future movie, Pralay.
However, the production company has denied these settlement talks. People on the inside say they are still negotiating, and nothing is decided.
And the production company’s connection to Pralay is also being questioned. That film is with other producers and hasn’t been formally announced.
What matters for the franchise right now
All this disagreement over money and the script has left the future of the whole ‘Don’t in doubt. Those making the film have asked for their investment money back, saying it covers investments, dates that had to be changed, and filming that was cancelled.
Singh’s team says he didn’t have a finished script, didn’t get any money up front, and wasted time because other projects – including Baiju Bawra – were put on hold.
Because there’s no end to the arguments in sight, what happens with the brand next is still uncertain. People have suggested new actors, even a complete restart of the series, but one actor has publicly said they weren’t asked to be involved.
Possible paths ahead
Akhtar’s attitude suggests he isn’t going to change his vision for the story or how big it will be. This could mean it takes longer, but will hopefully start smoothly once everything is in place.
If the disputes are solved and an actor is chosen, Don 3 could begin filming quickly. If not, they might have to begin again with a new timeframe and a new star.
For now, we’re still waiting. The creative idea for the film is still there, but the practicalities aren’t.
Akhtar’s wider slate and mindset
Aside from Don 3, Akhtar’s other film as director, Jee Le Zaraa, has also had difficulties. But he isn’t worried, saying that after many years in a very unpredictable industry, he’s used to it.
He says he’s confident in what he offers every time he starts a job. He thinks this confidence will get him through.
What to watch next
The things we need to know right now are simple: has the money argument been settled, who will be in the film, and is there a final, completed script? Until then, we can expect rumours, denials, and fans imagining who they’d like to see in the roles.
Here is the near term checklist to track:
– Settlement or arbitration outcome
– Confirmation on lead and timeline
– Official announcement and schedule
One thing is obvious. ‘Don’t a series that relies on style, good timing and a solid plan. Akhtar still has the style and the plan. Now he needs the timing.
