Farhan Akhtar teases Don 3, but will Shah Rukh Khan return in the lead role?

For years, Bollywood cinephiles have been bombarding director-actor Farhan Akhtar with one question – when will he direct Don 3? On Tuesday, Farhan Akhtar confirmed that he was on the job, sharing a teaser of sorts on Instagram.

The short clip is set on the theme of Don with a motion graphic showcasing 3, and the tagline — “The New Era Begins."

However, there was suspense over whether Shah Rukh Khan would reprise the role of the lead character in the film. Rumours are rife that Ranveer Singh is likely to take on the mantle of King Khan, reported Indian media.

Later, in a detailed note, Farhan Akhtar requested fans to extend support to his new endeavour. He said that he has reimagined the Don franchise with a new star. Acknowledging the genius of writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar [Farhan’s father] who created the character and Amitabh Bachchan and SRK who portrayed the roles of Don and Vijay, Farhan Akhtar said that he is intent on taking the legacy forward. While not revealing a name, the filmmaker said that the “new interpretation will be an actor whose talent and versatility I [Farhan Akhar] have long admired.”

While posting the Instagram video, Farhan Akhtar did not add any caption. While Farhan's sister and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar commented, “Boom,” several fans too celebrated the development.

Many comments urged the director to not replace Shah Rukh with any other actor. “That’s great news….but please no Ranveer Singh…Only and only Shah Rukh Khan can do DON….wait for some time until he is ready to do it. Try to understand that Ranveer will not be able to pull off what SRK can," one user gushed. Another wrote, “When people were asking for Don 3, this isn't what they meant!” said another. “Can't imagine anyone except SRK as DON,” a third user wrote.

“Don’t think any other actor can match the swag of SRK in Don,” one user opined. “Wow, Don3??? If it’s SRK then it will be awesome coz no one can do better than Shah Rukh, He is BEST,” another wrote.

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