The actor’s reported exit follows the extraordinary box office run of his latest release, Dhurandhar, which has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. Despite earlier reports suggesting that Singh had already begun preparations for Don 3, the project has now lost its leading man, creating uncertainty around its immediate future.
Ranveer Singh was officially announced as the new Don in 2023, a casting decision that triggered widespread debate and backlash on social media. Excel Entertainment, the production house backing the film, had unveiled Singh’s first look at the time, describing his casting as the dawn of a “new era” for the franchise. The announcement marked a major transition, as Singh was set to take over the role previously immortalised by Shah Rukh Khan in Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), both directed by Farhan Akhtar and co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The Don franchise itself traces its roots back to the 1978 classic starring Amitabh Bachchan, written by legendary screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Excel Entertainment later acquired the rights to the film, reviving the character for a new generation with a modern reinterpretation that became a major commercial and cultural success.
Amid speculation surrounding his departure, Ranveer Singh was recently seen at Mumbai airport with his wife, actor Deepika Padukone, as the couple reportedly flew abroad to celebrate the New Year. Around the same time, Singh shared a reflective message on Instagram referencing themes of patience and destiny, echoing dialogue from Dhurandhar. The post spoke of fate’s ability to change with time, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
Dhurandhar, a high-octane spy action drama featuring an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and Rakesh Bedi, has rewritten box office records with earnings of ₹619.30 crore. The film’s success has further elevated Singh’s standing at a time when his exit from Don 3 has raised questions about the franchise’s direction.
With a high-profile lead now missing and production plans disrupted, Don 3 faces a critical juncture. The development highlights the challenges of reviving legacy franchises in a rapidly evolving film industry, where audience expectations, star power and timing play decisive roles
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