Farhan Akhtar Prioritizes Jee Le Zaraa Following Ranveer Singh's Departure from Don 3
Muhammad Kumar|Jan 30, 2026, 6:32
With Bollywood's dynamic nature, only time will tell if these plans materialize, but the update has certainly reignited interest in both projects.
In a surprising turn for Bollywood enthusiasts, director Farhan Akhtar has decided to put his much-anticipated film Don 3 on hold after actor Ranveer Singh's recent exit from the project. This development comes amid speculation about the franchise's future, with Akhtar now shifting his focus to reviving Jee Le Zaraa, a long-delayed road-trip drama starring Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Katrina Kaif.
Ranveer Singh, who was announced as the new Don in 2023, reportedly stepped away from the role to avoid typecasting after the massive success of his gangster film Dhurandhar. Sources indicate that Singh is now eyeing diverse projects, including a zombie thriller titled Pralay, and collaborations with filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Atlee. His departure follows earlier exits by co-stars Kiara Advani and Vikrant Massey, fueling rumors that Don 3 might be shelved indefinitely. Adding to the buzz, there are whispers that Shah Rukh Khan, the original Don from the 2006 and 2011 installments, could return but only if Atlee takes the directorial reins.
Akhtar, known for his careful approach to iconic roles, views the recasting of Don as a critical and time-intensive process. "He wants to be absolutely sure about who steps into the role," a source revealed. Rather than rushing the search, the filmmaker is redirecting his energy toward Jee Le Zaraa, a project he has described as a dream endeavor reminiscent of his earlier hits like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Announced in 2021, Jee Le Zaraa features a female-led narrative centered on friendship and adventure. The script has been locked for years, but production stalled due to scheduling conflicts among the busy stars. Recent reports confirm that Akhtar has reinitiated discussions with Bhatt, Chopra, and Kaif, all of whom remain enthusiastic about the film. If their dates align, shooting could commence in the second half of 2026. "Everyone is keen; it's just about finding that common window," an insider noted.
This shift highlights Akhtar's commitment to meaningful storytelling over franchise pressures. While Don 3 fans await clarity on its revival, the prospect of Jee Le Zaraa hitting the floors promises a fresh, empowering addition to Bollywood's landscape.
As one social media post aptly captured the excitement: "Farhan Akhtar revives 'Jee Le Zaraa' as 'Don 3' put on back burner after Ranveer Singh exit."