Don 3 Finally Moves Forward with Production Timeline Set
The wait is almost over. Don 3, one of Bollywood’s most discussed and delayed film projects, is set to begin filming in January 2026. After months—maybe years—of uncertainty, it appears that the production has found its footing. A new report suggests that Farhan Akhtar, who returns to the director’s chair after a hiatus, has finalized the plan to roll cameras early next year. And yes, some familiar faces might return.
Timeline Leading Up to Production
The development of Don 3 has seen its fair share of twists. The film hit multiple roadblocks over the last two years. Initially, Ranveer Singh stepping into Shah Rukh Khan’s shoes sparked intense online debate. There was skepticism. There were memes. Many fans weren’t ready to let go of the iconic SRK version of Don.
A source reportedly told Bollywood Hungama, “Yes, there’s been a delay — but it couldn’t be helped. Ranveer Singh, who replaced Shah Rukh Khan in the franchise, had to deal with a wave of online trolling for ‘daring’ to step into SRK’s shoes. Farhan and Ranveer mutually decided to lie low and let the heat die down.”
And beyond the backlash, the logistics started to pile up. Ranveer needed time for martial arts training—a commitment the role demands. Then Kiara Advani, who had been signed to play the female lead replacing Priyanka Chopra, became pregnant. This added yet another pause in the schedule.
In the meantime, Farhan himself got caught up in acting commitments for his upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur. That movie, where he stars as Major Shaitan Singh, is already slated for a release on November 21, 2025.
Latest Developments: Who’s In and Who Might Return
Fast-forward to now, and things are looking slightly more stable. For starters, Ranveer Singh is confirmed as the new Don. He’s reportedly ready and fully committed to stepping into the role with confidence. Farhan, too, has cleared his calendar for early 2026 to kick off production.
And in what might be considered a plot twist, Kiara Advani appears to be back on board. This comes after speculation that her pregnancy would rule her out of the project. With her first child expected soon, Kiara seems to be planning her comeback precisely when the Don 3 sets go live. That said, the bigger surprise floating around Bollywood circuits is the likelihood that Priyanka Chopra—yes, the original Roma—may return to the franchise. Nothing is concrete yet, but here’s what we know.
“There is a possibility that Priyanka Chopra may return to the Don franchise,” a source close to the project revealed. That one line has sparked plenty of interest.
If true, we could be looking at a movie that merges legacy with a contemporary twist. Fans of the earlier Don films might get just the bit of nostalgia they need to welcome this new installment.
Reunion on Set: Ranveer Singh and Vikrant Massey
The cast list creates another ripple of excitement for those who’ve kept a close eye on Bollywood partnerships. Ranveer Singh and Vikrant Massey will reunite on screen, bringing back memories of Dil Dhadakne Do and even Lootera from 2013. For some viewers, that’s meaningful. Chemistry counts, right?
- Ranveer Singh will headline as the new Don.
- Kiara Advani is locked in, pending final confirmation.
- Priyanka Chopra’s return is up in the air, but likely.
- Director Farhan Akhtar is back behind the camera.
- Vikrant Massey joins the core cast once again.
Also, worth mentioning: The team is eyeing a December 2026 release. Technically, that gives them nearly a full year between the start of shooting and post-production. So, unless something new disrupts the schedule, that timeline feels… achievable.
Ranveer Singh Celebrates Personal and Professional High Points
As fate would have it, the latest report comes just as Ranveer Singh celebrates his 40th birthday. While the Don 3 news isn’t officially part of his birthday announcement, it certainly aligns with the buzz. On his birthday, Singh dropped the first look for his upcoming film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. Social media caught fire with fans praising his new avatar—an intense, gritty image that might mirror where his career is headed.
Meanwhile, Kiara Advani is experiencing her own high points. The actor is currently expecting her first child with husband Sidharth Malhotra. Their personal joy had led many to believe she would take a long break, but signs suggest she may resume professional commitments earlier than expected.
Why the Anticipation is Real
Let’s face it: Don 3 carries weight. The franchise started with Amitabh Bachchan, got rebooted by Shah Rukh Khan, and now moves to Ranveer Singh. That kind of legacy is rare in modern Bollywood. Each version has left a mark. So even those who were initially skeptical are now starting to pay attention again.
Think about it: if Priyanka returns, and Ranveer brings his own twist to the character, and Farhan delivers on direction—then this could work. Maybe not in the same way the earlier Don movies worked, but in a way that’s right for now. And who knows, maybe the mix of old and new will give viewers a balanced ride.
Closing Thoughts
The key takeaway? Filming kicks off in January 2026. Barring fresh delays, the movie will release by December that year. The central cast is shaping up, with signs pointing to both continuity and change. It’s fair to say that Don 3 is no longer stuck—it’s just waiting for its cue.
Let’s keep our eyes open. If anything, Bollywood has taught us to expect the unexpected. And this time, the story behind the camera might just end up being as interesting as the one on screen.
