Ranveer Singh, currently riding high on the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar, has reportedly stepped away from Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated Don 3. Sources have confirmed that the actor is no longer associated with the project, which was scheduled to begin shooting in January.
The development comes as a surprise, especially after reports suggested that Ranveer had already begun preparations for the iconic role. Neither the actor nor the filmmakers have issued an official statement so far.
A Sudden Turn for a Highly Anticipated Project
Ranveer Singh was announced as the new face of the Don franchise in 2023, a move that sparked intense debate across social media. Excel Entertainment, which produces the franchise, positioned his casting as the beginning of a “new era,” unveiling a first-look teaser that immediately drew comparisons to Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic portrayal.
Ranveer was set to step into shoes made legendary by Shah Rukh Khan, who headlined Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), both directed by Farhan Akhtar and co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The franchise itself traces its origins to the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, written by Salim–Javed, after Excel Entertainment acquired the rights.
Public Appearances Amid Speculation
Amid growing speculation, Ranveer Singh was recently spotted at Mumbai airport with wife Deepika Padukone, the couple twinning in black as they reportedly flew abroad to usher in the New Year. The sighting further fueled conversations around his sudden exit from Don 3.
Dhurandhar Success Reshapes the Narrative
Ranveer’s decision appears to come in the aftermath of Dhurandhar rewriting box office history. The spy action drama has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, minting Rs 619.30 crore worldwide. The film also stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi, and has significantly redefined Ranveer’s standing at the box office.
Following the film’s success, Ranveer shared a cryptic message on Instagram Stories referencing “nazar aur sabr” — a line delivered by R. Madhavan’s character in Dhurandhar.
“Kismat ki ek bohut khoobsurat aadat hai, ki woh waqt aane par badalti hai… Lekin filhal… nazar aur sabr,” he wrote, hinting at patience and destiny rather than addressing speculation directly.
What Lies Ahead for Don 3
With Ranveer Singh’s reported exit, Don 3 now finds itself at a crossroads. Whether the project will be reworked, recast, or delayed remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Don franchise continues to command immense attention — and any decision surrounding its future will be closely watched.
Jay-Ho Updates
As Dhurandhar cements Ranveer Singh’s status as one of Bollywood’s biggest box office draws, his reported departure from Don 3 signals a shifting career strategy — one driven by timing, momentum, and long-term vision rather than legacy alone.
