Don 3: The Final Chapter, the third installment of the beloved Bollywood franchise, stars Ranveer Singh as the titular crime lord, taking over from Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Announced in August 2023, filming is set to begin in June 2025, with a theatrical release slated for 2026. Directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Excel Entertainment, the cast includes Ranveer Singh, Kiara Advani, Kriti Sanon, Sharvari, and Vikrant Massey as the main villain.
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The film promises high-octane action, international locations like London and Germany, and a fresh narrative crafted to suit Singh’s dynamic energy. Shot primarily in India, with significant action sequences filmed in global cities, continuing the franchise’s stylish legacy.
A Bold New Don Emerges
The Don 3 teaser, released on August 9, 2023, introduced Ranveer Singh as the new Don, sitting in a high-rise overlooking a neon-lit skyline, delivering the iconic line, “11 mulkon ki police dhundti hai mujhe, par pakadh paya hai kaun.
Star Power and Plot Teaser
Don 3 boasts a stellar cast, with Kiara Advani joining as the female lead, announced via a clip on X, and Vikrant Massey confirmed as the main antagonist in January 2025. Kriti Sanon and Sharvari add depth, though their roles remain undisclosed. The plot, kept under wraps, is teased as a return to the “what made Don, Don” essence, focusing on a cunning crime lord navigating a global underworld. Unlike the 1978 original, where Amitabh Bachchan played dual roles, or Shah Rukh’s 2006–2011 films centered on Don himself, this chapter aims for a modern, action-packed spectacle, with filming in London and Germany to elevate its scale.
Challenges and Fan Reactions
The casting of Ranveer Singh faced backlash, with calling it a “sure shot mega disaster”, echoing sentiments from 2006 when Shah Rukh replaced Bachchan. Singh addressed the skepticism in a Deadline interview, vowing to make the role his own with a nuanced performance, departing from his typically “loud” roles like in Padmaavat. Budget concerns and Farhan’s commitments to 120 Bahadur delayed pre-production, but filming is confirmed for mid-2025, with Ranveer preparing from March. The franchise’s legacy, with ₹300 crore global earnings from Don 2, sets high expectations.
A High-Stakes Cinematic Gamble
Don 3, backed by Ritesh Sidhwani and Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s music, aims to honor the franchise’s history while forging a new path. With its international scope and Ranveer’s high-energy persona, the film could redefine Bollywood’s action genre, provided it navigates fan expectations and delivers the “cinematic spectacle” promised by Excel Entertainment. As anticipation builds, Don 3 stands poised to cement Ranveer Singh as the new king of Bollywood’s underworld.
-By Manoj H
