Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 is currently going through a phase of internal recalibration. After the exits of Kiara Advani and Vikrant Massey, the makers are reassessing key roles in the film as they work toward stabilizing the long-awaited third installment of the iconic franchise.Sources now indicate that Farhan Akhtar has initiated conversations with Rajat Bedi for an important part that was earlier being developed for Vikrant Massey.
Rajat Bedi enters the picture
Rajat Bedi, who recently drew attention with his performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025), is being considered for a pivotal role in the film. According to a source familiar with the development, discussions between the actor and the producer-director have already begun.“Farhan and Rajat have had an official conversation. They are expected to meet in mid-January at Farhan’s Khar office to discuss the role in detail,” the source told HT, adding that the character is central to the narrative and undergoing revisions.
Vikrant Massey’s role reworked
Vikrant Massey’s exit from Don 3 was reported in July 2025, with industry insiders suggesting that the role did not evolve in the direction the actor had hoped for. The part reportedly demanded a transformation and depth that ultimately did not materialize in the final draft.While several names were floated as potential replacements at the time, including Aditya Roy Kapur and Vijay Deverakonda, the makers chose not to move forward until the script was further refined.
Ranveer Singh’s status remains nuanced
Speculation around Ranveer Singh’s association with Don 3 has been persistent, especially following the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar. Contrary to early rumors suggesting a strategic exit, later reports clarified that Ranveer’s situation with the project stemmed from creative differences rather than box office considerations.No official statement has been issued by Ranveer Singh or the film’s team, but insiders maintain that such divergences are not uncommon in large-scale franchise films.
Franchise legacy influences casting chatter
As casting discussions continue, industry chatter has also revived interest in Hrithik Roshan as a possible addition to the Don universe. His brief appearance in Don 2 remains a talking point among fans and has reportedly kept his name in the mix during informal conversations, though no formal talks have been confirmed.Originally expected to move into production in 2025, Don 3 is now targeting an early 2026 start. With key roles being reconsidered and the script undergoing fine-tuning, the makers appear focused on aligning creative vision before locking the cast. Until official announcements are made, Don 3 remains a project in transition.
