Riding the wave of his recent box office success, actor Harshvardhan Rane has officially joined the high-octane ‘Force’ franchise. Rane will star alongside action veteran John Abraham and actress Meenakshi Chaudhary in the highly anticipated third installment, Force 3. This major casting coup underscores the production’s intent to elevate the action quotient and narrative depth of the successful police thriller series.
The film’s schedule is locked, with principal photography set to commence in March 2026.
Harshvardhan Rane’s entry into the major action franchise follows the commendable performance of his romantic drama, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, during the competitive Diwali weekend. The film’s strong audience reception and stable box office run successfully re-established Rane’s standing in the industry, proving his ability to draw crowds and sustain a narrative.
This shift to the intense action genre with Force 3 marks a significant and strategic pivot for the actor. Harshvardhan Rane now moves from complex romantic roles to sharing the screen with John Abraham, known for his commitment to raw, gritty action sequences. This new role will challenge Rane to tap into a different dimension of his acting prowess, requiring intense physical preparation and emotional rigour demanded by the franchise’s realistic portrayal of law enforcement.
Sources close to the production confirm that Rane’s character will be a crucial new element in the narrative, potentially operating as both a key ally and a dynamic foil to Abraham’s central figure, ACP Yashvardhan.
Force 3 will be directed by Bhav Dhulia, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed and highly engaging web series Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. Dhulia’s experience in directing realistic, high-stakes narratives involving the police and organized crime makes him an ideal choice to steer the Force franchise, known for its focus on authentic police procedural elements and brutal hand-to-hand combat.
Dhulia is expected to bring his signature gritty realism and narrative complexity to the sequel, ensuring the film is not just an action spectacle but a tightly plotted thriller. The director’s vision aims to push the boundaries of action choreography while keeping the core theme of moral conflict and justice that defined the previous installments.
John Abraham will return as the formidable ACP Yashvardhan, the anchor of the Force series. Abraham’s commitment to the franchise and his physical transformation for the role remain defining characteristics. His chemistry with the new co-stars, particularly Rane, is expected to be a major highlight, evolving the interpersonal dynamics within the police unit.
Joining the male leads is actress Meenakshi Chaudhary, who makes her significant Bollywood entry with Force 3. Chaudhary, known for her roles in South Indian cinema, is expected to play a critical character that adds emotional depth to the film’s narrative, potentially balancing the relentless intensity brought by the action sequences. Her casting adds a fresh face to the highly recognizable franchise.
The producers have finalized the film’s logistical schedule. Principal photography for Force 3 is set to commence in March 2026. The production team is reportedly planning an extensive shoot schedule, including major action sequences to be filmed across various domestic and international locations, ensuring the high production value expected from a film of this scale.
With a powerful action ensemble led by John Abraham, the addition of the increasingly popular Harshvardhan Rane, and a director known for gritty realism, Force 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated action thrillers of the coming year. The franchise is successfully evolving, adding fresh talent and directorial vision while maintaining its core appeal of intense, no-holds-barred police action.
