'Don 3 cannot be made without Priyanka Chopra'

Shah Rukh Khan in 'Don'

Over the last few days, the industry had been bubbling with speculation over the casting for Don 3. Reports stated that Priyanka Chopra had bid adieu to the franchise and another actress would be cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan. However, sources close to the production house insist that there are "no immediate plans" for the third instalment of the action-thriller.

Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in 'Don'. Pic/Santa Banta

Says a source, "If and when Don 3 is made, the film will retain the original cast. At the moment, Shah Rukh has announced his choc-a-bloc slate which include three big-ticket films, while Priyanka will be busy with the second season of Quantico and also start work on her next Hindi film."

PeeCee's ‘Junglee Billi' character is integral to the franchise and Don 3 cannot be made without her, informs the source. "The makers are befuddled over the rumours, especially since Farhan Akhtar, who directed the first two parts, is busy with his acting commitments. Given these reasons, it does look like the film will take time to materialise and there are no immediate plans to roll out Don 3. So, speculation surrounding the star cast have no basis," adds the source.