It’s official! Kriti Sanon has been confirmed as the female lead in Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3, replacing new mom Kiara Advani. After weeks of buzz and speculation, Excel Entertainment has finally made the casting official. Kriti will be joining Ranveer Singh in the third installment of the Don franchise, which is set to go on floors in January 2026.
Farhan Akhtar, who directed Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011) starring Shah Rukh Khan, returns to the director’s chair for Don 3. According to the production house, this film will mark a fresh chapter for the franchise, with an all-new duo leading the high-octane action drama.
Why Kiara Was Replaced
Kiara Advani was initially signed on as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh. However, with her pregnancy and the recent birth of her daughter with husband Sidharth Malhotra on July 15, 2025, Kiara reportedly chose to prioritise her family over the demanding shoot schedule. Industry insiders say she stepped away from the project voluntarily, allowing Kriti Sanon to step in.
All Eyes On Kriti & Ranveer
Fans had already started speculating about Kriti’s involvement after she was spotted multiple times at Excel Entertainment’s office. Her birthday post for Ranveer Singh — which read, “P.S. Looking forward to working with you soon!” — further fueled the rumours.
Now, the Kriti-Ranveer pairing will be making its debut in a big way. Known for her range in both commercial and performance-heavy roles, Kriti brings freshness to the iconic role previously played by Priyanka Chopra.
Who’s Playing The Villain?
While the leads are locked, the search for the main antagonist is still ongoing. Reports suggest that actors like Vikrant Massey and Vijay Deverakonda were approached, but both reportedly declined due to concerns over the character’s depth. Casting for the villain continues, with the makers said to be in talks with a top A-list actor.
Cameos By SRK & Priyanka?
There’s been no official word on whether Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra will make appearances in Don 3. However, with the film aiming to bridge the legacy of previous installments with its new reboot, fans are hoping for nostalgic cameos.
With Don 3 officially taking shape, and the dynamic duo of Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon leading the charge, Bollywood’s most iconic thriller franchise is all set for a stylish and action-packed revival.
