The wait is finally over for fans of the Don franchise. After years of speculation, casting changes, and production delays, Don 3, the third installment in the iconic Bollywood action-thriller series, is officially set to begin shooting in January 2026. The buzz around the project has surged again with several new developments, including a fresh lead cast and a global shooting schedule.

Don 3: A New Era Begins

Originally made famous by Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 classic and later revived by Shah Rukh Khan in the 2006 reboot and its 2011 sequel Don 2, the Don franchise has become a hallmark of stylish storytelling and slick action in Hindi cinema. After much discussion and prolonged uncertainty, Farhan Akhtar, who helmed the last two installments, is back in the director’s chair for Don 3.

However, this time, the franchise is undergoing a major transformation. In a surprising but much-discussed move, Shah Rukh Khan officially announced in 2023 that he would not return as Don, opening the door for a new actor to don the iconic black shades.

Enter Ranveer Singh, one of Bollywood’s most energetic and versatile actors. The decision to cast him as the new Don has sparked mixed reactions online, but excitement is building as new updates emerge about the film’s storyline, cast, and production plan.

Kriti Sanon Replaces Kiara Advani as Female Lead

Initially, Kiara Advani was signed as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh. However, due to her pregnancy and upcoming maternity break, she had to exit the project. The producers, determined to keep the film on schedule, quickly brought in Kriti Sanon to take on the role.

Kriti, who has steadily climbed the Bollywood ladder with strong performances in both commercial and content-driven films, is expected to bring freshness to the franchise. Her pairing with Ranveer Singh also marks a new on-screen duo that has already generated curiosity among fans.

Ranveer Singh to Undergo Training for Don 3

Ranveer Singh is not taking his role lightly. As per reports, the actor will begin intensive preparation for the role in December 2025, dedicating an entire month to workshops, physical training, and style rehearsals to embody the suave and dangerous character of Don.

Known for his transformative performances in films like Padmaavat, Gully Boy, and 83, Ranveer’s casting aims to infuse Don 3 with high-octane energy and a new-age sensibility. Sources from the production team hint that this version of Don will be “edgier, darker, and more global in appeal.”

Antagonist Hunt: Will Vikrant Massey Join the Franchise?

One of the major highlights yet to be finalized is the lead antagonist. While the villain’s identity remains under wraps, industry insiders suggest that Vikrant Massey is being strongly considered for the role. Known for his intense performances in Criminal Justice, 12th Fail, and Haseen Dillruba, Vikrant could bring a grounded and powerful dimension to the villain’s character.

If finalized, this will be the first time Vikrant Massey features in a big-budget action franchise, marking a major milestone in his career.

Europe as the Primary Shooting Location

Don 3 is shaping up to be a globally mounted action film, with a significant portion of the shoot planned across European locations. The team at Excel Entertainment, headed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, has already locked key filming destinations in Europe.

Sources close to the production revealed that the team has finalized a multi-country shoot schedule involving high-speed chases, grand sets, and international crew support. This step reflects the makers’ ambition to make Don 3 not just a Bollywood film but a pan-global cinematic event.

Ranveer Singh’s Busy Slate Before Don 3

Before jumping into the shoes of Don, Ranveer Singh has several projects lined up. His upcoming film, Dhurandhar, is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025. Described as a gripping crime drama, the film is expected to perform well at the box office, further boosting Ranveer’s image as a top-tier actor.

Additionally, he’s scheduled to begin work on a zombie-based action film, a genre rarely explored in Indian cinema. With such diverse roles, Ranveer Singh continues to push boundaries and redefine Bollywood heroism.

Excel Entertainment’s Most Expensive Project Yet?

Excel Entertainment, known for producing path-breaking content such as Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and the Mirzapur series, is backing Don 3 with one of their biggest budgets to date. Industry analysts believe that the film’s production cost could surpass previous franchise entries, owing to its international locations, extensive VFX work, and ensemble cast.

The film is being promoted as one of the most anticipated Hindi releases of 2026, with a planned theatrical release in the latter half of next year.

What Fans Can Expect from Don 3

• A completely revamped Don universe with Ranveer Singh bringing in a fresh avatar

• Kriti Sanon adding charm and intensity as the new female lead

• High-stakes action sequences shot across Europe

• Stylish direction under Farhan Akhtar’s experienced vision

• Potential inclusion of Vikrant Massey as a cerebral villain

• A darker, more stylized take on Don, fit for the streaming-savvy and cinema-going generation

With Shah Rukh Khan stepping away from the franchise, Don 3 marks a new chapter that aims to retain the soul of the original while introducing bold innovations in storytelling and character design.

Don 3 is more than just a sequel—it is a reboot of a legacy. As filming begins in January 2026, all eyes will be on Ranveer Singh to carry forward the torch of Don, one of Bollywood’s most iconic characters. With a top-tier cast, world-class production, and Farhan Akhtar’s creative leadership, Don 3 is poised to redefine the franchise and set new standards in Indian action cinema.

Stay tuned to KKNLive for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, teaser breakdowns, and release announcements about Don 3 (2026).