Fans doubt Ranveer could do justice as new 'Don' while actor hopes to make SRK, Amitabh proud

In the wake of the news that Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh will be playing the iconic character of Don in the upcoming Don 3 film, many movie-goers and fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and delight.

Farhan Akhtar, the brains behind Don films that featured Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, will be returning to the directorial chair to create the third installment of the franchise. The internet went into a frenzy when Akhtar posted a note on his Instagram profile announcing the movie, which is slated for a 2025 release.

In the post, he praised Amitabh Bachan and Shah Rukh for playing the enigmatic and fierce character of Don to perfection, while sharing that the third installment would see a new actor in the famous role.

Just a day later, it was revealed that Ranveer Singh would be taking up the mantle from Shah Rukh and breathing new life into the character after his 12-year-long hiatus from the silver screen. Ranveer shared a teaser trailer on his Instagram account, captioning the post “A New Era Begins. #Don3”. After Farhan’s announcement, many had already speculated that Ranveer would be taking up the role, but the official news was still followed by polarizing reactions.

While some were quick to recognise the extent of Ranveer Singh’s star power and, hence, his unmatched suitability for the role, there were others that were disappointed with the choice to cast the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor as Don.

Some fans of the franchise could not help but make humorous comparisons of SRK and Amitabh Bachan’s portrayal of Don to what they expect Ranveer Singh’s Don will be like in the reboot.

As Twitter users continued to argue whether or not Ranveer’s acting capabilities and charisma were of the required merit to depict such a legendary fictional character, some commentators pointed out that both Amitabh and SRK had brought their own charm and grit to the character and that such comparisons were unwarranted.

They were of the opinion that SRK’s reprisal of the role that Amitabh originally and masterfully embodied on the silver screen was praiseworthy in its own right, and that Ranveer’s renewal of the role would follow the same pattern.

Although this debate over who should have been cast in Ranveer’s place and whether the Bajirao Mastani actor will be able to live up to the hype of the character and captivate audiences with the same level of power that SRK did will continue, it is worth noting that SRK faced a similar reaction of outrage and backlash when it was announced that he would be stepping into Amitabh’s shoes as Don.

However, only time will tell if Ranveer will be able to appease fans of the franchise and cinema-goers with his performance in the same way that SRK did with his cigarette-flicking, menacingly glaring rendition of Don.

Ranveer, however, couldn't be happier! "Gosh! I’ve been dreaming about doing this for a very, very long time!" he shared on an Instagram post. "As a child I fell in love with the movies, and like the rest of us, watching and worshipping Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan - the two GOATs (greatest of all time) of Hindi Cinema. I dreamed of growing up to be like them. They are the very reason I wanted to become an actor and a ‘hindi film hero’. Their impact and influence on my life cannot be overstated. They’ve shaped the person and actor that I am. Taking their legacy forward is a manifestation of my childhood dream."

He furthered, "I understand what a great responsibility it is to be a part of the ‘Don’ dynasty. I hope the audience gives me a chance and showers me with love, the way they have for numerous characters over the past so many years."

Concluding, Ranveer penned, "Thank you Farhan and Ritesh for entrusting me with this honourable mantle and believing in me. I hope I can deliver on your faith and conviction. My two supernovas, The Big B and SRK, I hope I can make you proud. And my beloved audience, as always, I promise you…that I will do my very best to entertain you...in and as...’Don’. Thank you for your love."