In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, superstar Ranveer Singh has officially decided to step away from Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s much-anticipated action thriller, Don 3. The news comes at a time when the actor is basking in the unprecedented box office glory of his latest release, Dhurandhar.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, the decision marks a significant turn for the franchise, which famously transitioned from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan, and was set to crown Singh as the new king of the underworld. However, the actor’s recent career highs and a desire to diversify his filmography have reportedly led to this amicable parting of ways.
The primary catalyst for this exit appears to be the monumental success of Dhurandhar. The film has not only shattered box office records but has also firmly established Ranveer Singh in the “gangster-action” archetype.
Ranveer reportedly feels that since Dhurandhar has already explored the gritty crime space so successfully, stepping into the shoes of ‘Don’ immediately afterward might feel repetitive for the audience. By exiting the project, he aims to maintain a fresh image and prioritize diverse storytelling over franchise commitments.
Rather than dwelling in the world of international crime syndicates, Ranveer Singh is shifting his focus toward other high-stakes projects. He has reportedly requested director Jai Mehta to prepone the shooting schedule for his upcoming film, Pralay.
This strategic move allows Singh to pivot into a different cinematic language while the iron is hot. However, this leaves Excel Entertainment in a race against time. The makers had initially planned to take the film on floors by the end of January 2026.
The Current State of ‘Don 3’ Production
| Feature | Details |
| Director | Farhan Akhtar |
| Producers | Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment) |
| Confirmed Female Lead | Kriti Sanon |
| New Lead Actor | Currently Scouting (Search Underway) |
| Filming Start Date | Target: Late January 2026 |
Despite Ranveer’s exit, the production team remains committed to the timeline. Makers have already started scouting for a new A-list actor to step into the titular role. The challenge is immense, as the new lead must carry the weight of a legacy established by two of Indian cinema’s greatest legends.
While the search for the “Don” restarts, one thing remains certain: Kriti Sanon is still on board. The actress was locked as the female lead earlier this year, and the makers reportedly intend to keep her as a central pillar of the new action thriller.
Kriti, who has been delivering consistent performances across various genres, is expected to undergo rigorous physical training for her role, which is touted to be more than just a romantic interest. The chemistry between the new lead and Kriti will now be the next big focal point for fans and critics alike.
Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 signals a deeper ambition to work with the “Visionaries of Grandeur.” By freeing up his calendar, he is actively seeking to reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for a fourth time and enter the high-octane universes of South Indian directors Lokesh Kanagaraj and Atlee.
This shift suggests that Ranveer is prioritizing “event cinema” that offers something stylistically different from the traditional Bollywood gangster tropes. As he continues to celebrate the success of Dhurandhar, the industry is waiting with bated breath to see which project he officially signs next.
For Farhan Akhtar, the hunt for the “most wanted man” begins once again. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who has the charisma and the ‘swag’ to become the new Don?
