Earlier this week, speculations ran rife that actor Shah Rukh Khan may be quitting the Don franchise, and actor Ranveer Singh would replace him in the Farhan Akhtar directorial. The news left the Don franchise fans distraught. However, industry sources have denounced the rumours, adding that the script is in its early stage and is being planned with Khan in mind.

“The reports said Don was not a commercial project, but the success of the first two films signals how commercial it is. Farhan is starting work on the script. There is no discussion of Shah Rukh leaving the franchise. The Don franchise cannot be without him,” says a source.

Another source dismissed the reports, saying that Khan wouldn’t wait for over 10 years for a new film only to quit abruptly. “Agar Don ko quit karna hota, toh woh bahut pehle hi kar chuka hota, especially since there has been a long gap after the second part (Don 2 released in 2011),” says another source.

The insider adds, “His career has come back on track after Pathaan. He would not leave a big franchise [like Don] that is expected to be a money churner. There has been no announcement from his side after Dunki (Khan’s upcoming film).”

We tried to contact the makers of the film but there was no response.

Meanwhile, there is a buzz that actor Ranveer Singh is being considered as a replacement to Shah Rukh in the Don franchise, with a source being quoted, “We’re waiting to see how fans of the Don franchise react to Ranveer’s casting considering Shah Rukh won over everyone with his charismatic portrayal of Don.”

However, an industry source says, “The speculation is growing because no one has come forward to refute, and they won’t. That’s making people believe that it might be true. It is unlikely that SRK will leave the franchise, and if Ranveer will join, it will be interesting to see how he will be handed over the franchise.”