The Don franchise, which started with a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer, has been one of the most successful action thriller series in Bollywood. The first two films, Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), featured Shah Rukh Khan as the charismatic and ruthless criminal mastermind who always manages to outsmart his enemies and escape from the law. The films also starred Priyanka Chopra as Roma, a police officer who has a personal vendetta against Don, and Farhan Akhtar as ACP Raghav, Don’s nemesis.
However, fans of the franchise have been waiting for a long time for the third installment, which was confirmed by producer Ritesh Sidhwani in an interview to PTI in May 2023. Sidhwani said that producer-director Farhan Akhtar is currently in the process of developing the script and will finish it soon. He also hinted that there will be some changes in the cast and crew of Don 3.
Ranveer Singh is the new Don!
According to multiple sources, Shah Rukh Khan will not be a part of Don 3 and has opted out of the film. The reason for his exit is not clear, but some reports suggest that he wants to focus on more commercial films that cater to a universal section of the audience and that Don 3 does not fit into his scheme of things.
The sources also reveal that Ranveer Singh has been roped in to play Don in Don 3 after Shah Rukh Khan’s departure. Ranveer Singh is one of the most versatile and popular actors in Bollywood today, who has proved his mettle in various genres like comedy, romance, drama, historical and biographical films. He has also worked with Excel Entertainment, the production house behind Don 3, in films like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and Gully Boy (2019), both of which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
The sources further claim that Ranveer Singh has already shot a promotional video for Don 3, which will be released soon to announce his entry into the franchise. The video will reportedly show Ranveer Singh as Don saying his iconic dialogue “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai” (It is not difficult but impossible to catch Don). Shah Rukh Khan has also been informed that Ranveer Singh will be the new Don and has given his blessings to him.
What to expect from Don 3?
Don 3 is expected to be a high-octane action thriller that will take the story of Don to a new level. The film will have a fresh plot and new characters, along with some twists and turns that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film will also have a global appeal and will be shot in exotic locations across the world.
The film will also have a new leading lady opposite Ranveer Singh as Don. The sources say that Priyanka Chopra will not reprise her role as Roma in Don 3, as she is busy with her Hollywood projects and her personal life. The makers are looking for a suitable actress who can match Ranveer Singh’s charisma and chemistry as Don’s love interest.
The film will also have a new director, as Farhan Akhtar will only produce and write the film. The sources say that Farhan Akhtar wants to focus on his acting career and has signed some interesting projects as an actor. The makers are in talks with some reputed directors who can handle the scale and vision of Don 3.
Don 3 is slated to go on floors by the end of 2023 and is expected to release in 2024. The film will surely be one of the most anticipated films of Bollywood and will mark a new era for the Don franchise.
