Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar has shared insights into the challenges surrounding the long-awaited third installment of the Don franchise. Following the departure of Ranveer Singh, who was initially set to play the lead role, Akhtar expressed that the project remains creatively significant to him. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, he stated that he has learned to 'expect the unexpected' in the film industry, highlighting the uncertainties that often accompany large-scale productions. Despite the controversies and Singh's exit, which reportedly caused losses of around ₹40 crore (roughly $4.8 million USD) for Akhtar's production company, Excel Entertainment, he reassured fans that the film is not shelved. Akhtar referred to Don 3 as one of the 'incredible stories' he still aims to tell. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan has clarified that he was never approached for the role, dismissing rumors surrounding his involvement. The Don franchise, which began with the 1978 classic featuring Amitabh Bachchan, was revived by Akhtar in 2006 with Shah Rukh Khan and continued with Don 2 in 2011.