Social media activity has once again ignited the rumor mill in Bollywood, with filmmaker Farhan Akhtar reportedly unfollowing actor Ranveer Singh on Instagram. This subtle digital shift has captured widespread attention, particularly amidst ongoing chatter surrounding Ranveer's alleged departure from the highly anticipated project 'Don 3', which Farhan was set to direct.
Digital Clue Sparks Speculation
Observant fans were quick to notice that Farhan Akhtar no longer follows Ranveer Singh on the popular photo-sharing platform, even as the actor continues to follow the filmmaker. This one-sided unfollowing has added significant fuel to existing speculation, especially at a time when multiple reports suggest Ranveer may have distanced himself from 'Don 3' following the monumental box office success of his recent film 'Dhurandhar'.
Reports of Don 3 Being Put on Hold
In December of last year, reports began circulating indicating that Ranveer Singh had stepped away from 'Don 3' after 'Dhurandhar' went on to dominate box office collections. Around the same period, it was also suggested that Farhan Akhtar had paused work on the film and redirected his creative focus towards another project titled 'Jee Le Zaraa'. The latest Instagram unfollow incident has reignited these conversations across digital platforms, with many industry observers wondering if relations between the actor and filmmaker have indeed soured.
Ranveer Singh's Casting as Don
Ranveer Singh was officially announced as the new face of the iconic 'Don' franchise in 2023. Excel Entertainment, the production house behind the project, unveiled his first look while describing the casting as the beginning of a "new era" for the beloved franchise. He was set to step into the stylish shoes previously worn by Shah Rukh Khan, who portrayed the charismatic anti-hero in Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' (2006) and its sequel 'Don 2' (2011). Both previous installments also featured Priyanka Chopra Jonas in pivotal roles that contributed significantly to their success.
Legacy of the Don Franchise
The 'Don' franchise traces its cinematic roots back to the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer of the same name. Excel Entertainment had acquired the rights to this cult classic, which was originally penned by legendary screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. The production house gave the story a contemporary makeover for a new generation of audiences, successfully reviving the franchise with Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal before planning this latest installment with Ranveer Singh.
Current Status and Future Projects
Despite growing speculation and digital clues, the makers have neither officially confirmed Ranveer Singh's exit from 'Don 3' nor announced any replacement for the coveted role. Meanwhile, 'Dhurandhar', which also features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi, has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, minting over Rs 1000 crore worldwide. Ranveer Singh is confirmed to return in 'Dhurandhar 2', which is slated for release on March 19, 2026.
Farhan Akhtar, on the other hand, was most recently seen in the war drama '120 Bahadur'. As both artistes move forward with their respective projects, the entertainment industry continues to watch closely for any official developments regarding the future of the Don franchise and the professional relationship between these two prominent figures in Indian cinema.
