Get ready for a whole new Don chapter — and an exciting fresh on-screen pair!
After months of speculation and changes, it’s finally happening. Kriti Sanon has officially been roped in as the leading lady in Don 3, starring opposite Ranveer Singh. Yep, it’s real. The news comes after Kiara Advani, who was originally cast, had to exit the film due to her pregnancy.
The film, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is all set to go on floors in January 2026, and fans are already buzzing about what this sizzling new pairing will bring to the table.
Kiara Out, Kriti In — What Went Down?
In 2023, when Don 3 was first announced, Kiara Advani was confirmed as the female lead. But life took a beautiful turn for Kiara — she recently welcomed a baby girl with Sidharth Malhotra and decided to step away from the demanding shoot schedule.
This opened up a spot for another actress, and several names were tossed around — including Sharvari and others. But in the end, it’s Kriti Sanon who bagged the coveted role.
And honestly? We’re kind of loving it. Kriti’s confident screen presence paired with Ranveer’s magnetic energy feels like a combo we didn’t know we were missing.
What the Makers Said
According to a statement reportedly released by the production house, Don 3 will begin filming in January 2026, with Ranveer and Kriti as the leads. No cryptic teasers or half-baked hints this time — it’s out there and official.
Farhan Akhtar, who previously directed Shah Rukh Khan in the franchise, is taking things in a bold new direction with this reboot. With Ranveer stepping into SRK’s iconic shoes and Kriti stepping up as the female lead, Don 3 is shaping up to be a slick, high-voltage reinvention of the beloved action-thriller saga.
Who’s the Villain?
While the lead duo is now locked, one mystery still lingers — who’s going to play the villain?
There was buzz earlier that Vikrant Massey might play the antagonist, but sources now confirm he’s no longer attached to the project. The hunt is on for a top A-list actor who can go toe-to-toe with Ranveer’s Don persona.Considering how iconic previous villains in the franchise have been (we’re looking at you, Boman Irani), the bar is set high. So whoever signs on will have big shoes — or maybe, leather gloves — to fill.
What’s Up With Ranveer and Kriti?
On the work front, Ranveer Singh is fresh off the teaser release of his upcoming film Dhurandhar, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The teaser dropped on his birthday, July 6, and instantly went viral for its intense action sequences. The film hits theatres on December 5, 2025.
As for Kriti Sanon, she’s continuing to enjoy a strong career trajectory after winning the National Award for Mimi. She has multiple projects lined up and Don 3 adds a high-octane action thriller to her growing and diverse filmography.
