Sources close to the project debunk “walkout” claims, clarifying that while schedules have shifted, Farhan Akhtar’s trust in the actor remains firm.
The digital space has been a whirlwind of conflicting reports regarding Ranveer Singh’s future in the iconic Don franchise. Following the historic box office run of his latest release Dhurandhar (which hit ₹900 crore worldwide today), rumors suggested that the actor had “opted out” of Don 3 to avoid being typecast in gangster roles.
However, new clarifications from the production camp suggest a much more complex and collaborative reality.
The “Drop” vs. “Exit” Debate
Conflicting reports from major trade outlets have created a “he said, she said” scenario over the last 48 hours:
The “Exit” Narrative: Reports from Pinkvilla and The Hollywood Reporter India suggest Ranveer voluntarily stepped back to diversify his filmography, specifically requesting director Jai Mehta to fast-track his post-apocalyptic zombie film, Pralay.
The “Dropped” Narrative: A report by India Today (Dec 24) cited sources claiming Ranveer didn’t quit but was “dropped” due to alleged “unreasonable demands” regarding remuneration hikes and creative control following Dhurandhar’s success.
The “Dharma/Excel” Defense: Counter-sources have defended the actor, stating that Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani were the only ones who stood by Ranveer during his low phase (post-Cirkus and Jayeshbhai Jordaar) and that the relationship remains professional.
New Timeline: What’s Actually Happening?
Despite the rumors of a total exit, internal schedules suggest the film is merely being reshuffled rather than scrapped.
| Project | Current Status | New Tentative Timeline |
| Dhurandhar 2 | Urgent Prep | Early 2026 (Additional shoot) |
| Pralay (Zombie Thriller) | Fast-Tracked | February – June 2026 |
| Don 3 | Pre-Production Halted | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
Trade Note: Ritesh Sidhwani has reportedly instructed department heads to “pause” pre-production on Don 3 until the lead actor’s dates and remuneration are re-aligned.
Casting Shuffle: Kriti Sanon In, Kiara Out
The franchise has seen a significant cast change behind the scenes over the last few months:
Kiara Advani: Initially signed as the female lead, Advani reportedly exited the project earlier this year due to her pregnancy.
Kriti Sanon: Multiple reports confirm that the Mimi star has been locked in as the new female lead, marking her first collaboration with both Farhan Akhtar and (potentially) Ranveer Singh.
The Antagonist: After Vikrant Massey allegedly opted out due to script issues, the search for a new villain to face off against “Don” is currently underway.
The ‘Dhurandhar’ Effect
The staggering success of Dhurandhar—which is now the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025—has changed the leverage in these negotiations. Insiders suggest Ranveer is now looking to collaborate with “master filmmakers” like Sanjay Leela Bhansali (for a new period drama), Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Atlee, making his available dates for long-running franchises like Don scarce.