Mumbai: Ranveer Singh has officially begun preparations for Don 3, signalling that Farhan Akhtar’s long-delayed reboot of the iconic franchise is finally gathering momentum. According to industry reports, the actor, who is riding high on the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar, has already started intensive training for the action-heavy role and is expected to commence filming by the end of January or early February 2026.

The development comes as welcome news for fans who have been eagerly awaiting updates on Don 3 since its announcement in 2023. The film, which marks Ranveer Singh’s first outing as the new face of the Don universe, had faced multiple delays owing to scheduling conflicts, script refinements, and casting uncertainties—particularly around the antagonist’s role.

Production back on track after delays

Don 3 was initially planned to go on floors in early 2025. However, Farhan Akhtar’s packed professional commitments, including acting projects and production responsibilities, reportedly pushed timelines forward. At the same time, rumours of Vikrant Massey stepping away from the project added to speculation that the film was facing major hurdles.

A source quoted by News18 Showsha has now confirmed that the makers are keen to move ahead without further delays. “Now that Ranveer is back to the game, the production doesn’t want to wait anymore. After some scheduling conflicts and logistical back and forth, Don 3 is back on track. Ranveer will be seen doing some heavy-duty action sequences and he started prepping for the same last week,” the source said.

The insider added that the actor’s recent box office success has boosted confidence within the production team. With Dhurandhar reportedly crossing the Rs 800 crore mark globally, Ranveer is seen as a strong commercial anchor for the franchise’s next chapter.

Ranveer Singh’s transformation into Don

Ranveer Singh stepping into the role of Don carries significant expectations, especially given the legacy of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who previously portrayed the character. Industry observers believe the actor’s high-energy screen presence and versatility make him a fitting choice for a reimagined Don tailored to contemporary audiences.

Sources suggest that Ranveer’s preparation includes rigorous physical training, combat choreography, and character workshops to ensure he brings a distinct interpretation to the role rather than replicating his predecessors. The film is expected to showcase stylised action, sharp dialogue, and a global scale consistent with the franchise’s legacy.

Kriti Sanon joins the Don universe

The report also highlights Kriti Sanon’s role as the female lead, marking her entry into the Don franchise. Fresh off the success of Tere Ishk Mein, Kriti is reportedly excited about the project, which offers her a more action-oriented and glamorous character arc.

According to sources, Kriti will not merely be a passive presence but will actively participate in key action sequences. “Kriti, much like Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Roma, will be seen engaging in some action sequences as well,” the report stated. This suggests that the makers are keen to retain the franchise’s tradition of strong, assertive female characters.

First schedule planned in Jeddah

The first shooting schedule of Don 3 is expected to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Portions of the film will reportedly be shot on location, adding to the international flavour that has long been associated with the Don series.

Filming abroad also reflects Bollywood’s increasing reliance on global backdrops to enhance scale and visual appeal. With streamlined international shoot permissions and growing collaboration between Indian and Middle Eastern film bodies, Jeddah has emerged as a popular destination for large-scale productions.

Vikrant Massey still in contention as antagonist

One of the biggest talking points around Don 3 has been the casting of the antagonist. While earlier reports suggested that Vikrant Massey had exited the project, fresh information indicates that discussions are ongoing.

“They’ve resumed conversations with Vikrant. The actor too is interested. They’re currently in the process of figuring out his dates. Meanwhile, the script is still going through minute changes keeping Vikrant in mind,” the source revealed.

There were also rumours that Tamil actor Arjun Das was being considered as a replacement. However, insiders maintain that the makers’ first choice remains Vikrant Massey, whose recent performances have earned him critical acclaim and audience appreciation.

Farhan Akhtar’s return to direction

Don 3 will mark Farhan Akhtar’s return to directing the franchise after Don 2 (2011), which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Released over a decade ago, Don 2 was a commercial success and cemented the franchise’s modern action-thriller identity.

With changing audience tastes and heightened competition, Farhan is said to be refining the script carefully to strike a balance between nostalgia and novelty. The reboot aims to appeal to both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers.

What lies ahead

With Ranveer Singh’s preparation underway and production gearing up for its first international schedule, Don 3 appears poised to finally move from announcement to execution. While casting confirmations and official schedules are still awaited, the renewed momentum suggests that the franchise’s next chapter is inching closer to reality.

If timelines hold, Don 3 could emerge as one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of the coming years, carrying forward a legacy while redefining it for a new era.