About Don 3 – The much-awaited third installment of the Don franchise, directed by Farhan Akhtar, has finally been announced. However, fans of Shah Rukh Khan, who played the iconic role of the charismatic and elusive gangster in the previous two films, might be disappointed to learn that he will not be returning for Don 3. Instead, Ranveer Singh, who is known for his versatility and energy, will be stepping into the shoes of Don and taking the legacy forward.
A new era begins
Farhan Akhtar, who also co-produced the film with Ritesh Sidhwani under their banner Excel Entertainment, took to social media on August 8 to share a teaser announcing the film. The teaser featured the logo of ‘3’ and the tagline ‘A new era begins’. However, he did not reveal the cast or any other details of the film.
The next day, he shared another teaser, introducing Ranveer Singh as the new Don. The teaser showed Ranveer in a leather jacket and boots, sitting on a high-rise building with a gun and a cigarette in his hands.
He turned to face the camera and delivered some power-packed dialogues in his trademark style. He said
Sher jo so raha hai woh jaagega kab, poochte hai yeh sab. Unse keh do ki phir jaag utha hoon main aur phir saamne jald aane ko. Kya hai taakat meri kya hai himmat meri phir dikhane ko. Maut se khelna zindagi hai meri jeetna hi mera kaam hai, tum toh ho jaante jo mera naam hai. 11 mulkon ki police dhundti hai mujhe par pakad paya hai mujhko kaun, main hoon Don.
The teaser ended with Ranveer lighting a cigarette and repeating the iconic dialogue of Don, “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai.” The teaser also revealed that the film will hit the theatres in 2025.
| Title | Don 3 |
|---|---|
| Director | Farhan Akhtar |
| Producer | Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar |
| Writer | Farhan Akhtar and Pushkar-Gayatri |
| Music | Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy |
| Cast | Ranveer Singh (as Don) |
| Release date | 2025 |
A tribute to Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan
Farhan Akhtar also wrote a long note on Twitter, paying tribute to Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who played Don in the original 1978 film and its 2006 remake respectively. He said that he had a great time creating not one but two Don films with Shah Rukh and both experiences remain very close to his heart. He also said that he hopes that the fans will show the same love to the new actor as they did to Mr. Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
He wrote
In 1978, a character created by Salim-Javed and portrayed by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan with effortless elan, captured the imagination of theatregoers across the country. That enigmatic character was Don. In 2006, Don was reimagined and brought to life by Shah Rukh Khan in his own irresistibly charming way. From Don’s sardonic wit to his cool but menacing fury, Shah Rukh embodied his persona. As writer & director, I had a great time creating not one but two, ‘Don’ films with Shah Rukh and both experiences remain very close to my heart.
He added
The time has now come to take the legacy of Don forward and joining us in this new interpretation will be an actor whose talent and versatility I have long admired. We hope that you will show him the love you have so graciously and generously shown to Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. A new era of Don begins in 2025. Watch this space.
Ranveer Singh’s excitement
Ranveer Singh, who is currently basking in the success of his latest release Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, expressed his excitement about being a part of Don 3. He shared Farhan Akhtar’s tweet on his Instagram story and wrote, “Dream come true.” He also shared a picture of himself wearing a T-shirt with ‘Don’ written on it and captioned it, “Aaj ki taaza khabar.”
Ranveer Singh is known for his diverse roles in films like Band Baaja Baaraat, Lootera, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Gully Boy and Simmba. He has also collaborated with Farhan Akhtar as an actor in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do. He will be next seen in Karan Johar’s period drama Takht and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s musical Baiju Bawra.
Fans’ reactions
The announcement of Don 3 and Ranveer Singh’s first look as Don has received mixed reactions from the fans on social media. While some are excited to see Ranveer in a new avatar and praised his swag and dialogue delivery, others are unhappy with Shah Rukh Khan’s exit from the franchise and said that no one can replace him as Don. Some also suggested other actors who could have played Don, such as Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor or Vikram.
Here are some of the tweets from the fans:
- “Ranveer Singh is the perfect choice for Don 3. He has the charisma, the attitude and the talent to pull off this role. I can’t wait to see him in action.”
- “No SRK No Don. This is not Don 3, this is a reboot. Farhan Akhtar should have respected the legacy of Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Ranveer Singh is a good actor but he is not Don.”
- “Hrithik Roshan would have been a better choice for Don 3. He has the looks, the voice and the style to play Don. He also had a cameo in Don 2 and it was amazing.”
- “Ranbir Kapoor is the only actor who can match Shah Rukh Khan’s charm and charisma. He should have been cast as Don 3. He has proved his versatility in films like Rockstar, Barfi and Sanju.”
- “Vikram is the best actor in India and he can play any role with perfection. He should have been given a chance to play Don 3. He would have nailed it with his acting skills and screen presence.”
Summary
- Don 3 is the third installment of the Don franchise, directed by Farhan Akhtar.
- Ranveer Singh will be playing the role of Don, replacing Shah Rukh Khan who played the character in the previous two films.
- The film will be released in 2025 and will mark a new era of Don.
- Farhan Akhtar has paid tribute to Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who played Don in the original 1978 film and its 2006 remake respectively.
- Ranveer Singh has expressed his excitement about being a part of Don 3 and said that it is a dream come true for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Don 3 about?
The plot of Don 3 has not been revealed yet, but it is expected to be a continuation of the story of Don, a ruthless and elusive gangster who is wanted by the police of 11 countries.
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Who is playing Don in Don 3?
Ranveer Singh will be playing the role of Don in Don 3, replacing Shah Rukh Khan who played the character in the previous two films.
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When will Don 3 release?
Don 3 will release in 2025.
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Who is directing Don 3?
Farhan Akhtar, who also directed the first two parts of the franchise, will be directing Don 3.
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Who is producing Don 3?
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, under their banner Excel Entertainment, will be producing Don 3.
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Who is writing Don 3?
Farhan Akhtar and Pushkar-Gayatri will be writing the script of Don 3.
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Who is composing music for Don 3?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who composed music for the previous two films, will be composing music for Don 3.
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Who else is in the cast of Don 3?
The rest of the cast of Don 3 has not been announced yet, but it is speculated that Kiara Advani and Priyanka Chopra Jonas might be a part of it.
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Is Priyanka Chopra in Don 3?
No, Priyanka Chopra is not in Don 3. She played Roma, an Interpol officer, in the previous two films.
