Javed Akhtar rejects Don remake idea, calls sequels “creative bankruptcy”

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has said he would not choose to remake Amitabh Bachchan's classic film Don, arguing he has no creative regret about the script, and therefore sees no reason to rewrite it.

The comments resurfaced as Akhtar recently disclosed that he was approached by the makers of Border 2 to rewrite songs from the 1997 blockbuster Border, but he declined, calling the idea a sign of "creative bankruptcy" and saying he did not want to create nostalgia.

In an earlier interview, Akhtar said if he were to remake any of his own films, he would prefer one where he felt he had made mistakes and could improve it on a second attempt. Since he felt satisfied with Don, he said he would not remake it.

Akhtar's son and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar had earlier explained that he picked Don for a remake because he believed the film's storytelling style and language were modern for its time and could fit easily in a contemporary setting.

Javed Akhtar also said he would rather revisit other films where he felt the second half could have been stronger, naming Kaala Patthar, Mashaal and Arjun.

Farhan Akhtar remade Don in 2006 with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, with Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor also featuring in the film.