Hrithik Roshan has put an end to swirling speculation. The superstar wasn’t approached for Don 3—not once, not ever. His clarification comes as the franchise faces a full-blown casting crisis following Ranveer Singh’s reported exit.
“What started off as just a rumour has now taken on an entire life of its own, and it’s important to set the record straight,” Hrithik stated. He categorically denied any involvement with the project, requesting media outlets to avoid publishing unverified reports about his association with the film.
The timing of his statement? Critical. It follows weeks of intense behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the much-anticipated third instalment.
When Ranveer Singh Walked Away
Excel Entertainment announced Don 3 in August 2023 with considerable fanfare. Ranveer Singh was unveiled as the new face of the iconic franchise through a stylised announcement video. The action spectacle was scheduled to begin filming in 2026.
But things didn’t go according to plan.
Recent developments confirmed Ranveer Singh’s exit from the project, sending shockwaves through the industry. The situation escalated to the point where two closed-door meetings were convened under the Producers Guild of India’s supervision, involving all key stakeholders.
The Allegations That Sparked Controversy
At the second meeting, Ranveer’s perspective was presented first. A producer who attended the meeting—speaking anonymously—revealed the actor’s grievances. “Ranveer blamed Excel Entertainment for unprofessionalism and not being serious about taking Don 3 on floors,” the source said.
The core issue? Script readiness.
Ranveer reportedly claimed that director Farhan Akhtar never had a bound script in place. As an actor who prefers working with fully developed material, this was apparently a dealbreaker. The source added that Ranveer felt Farhan wasn’t open to feedback and had issues incorporating certain subplots.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Ranveer allegedly claimed Excel Entertainment explored the possibility of bringing Hrithik Roshan on board. According to the source, Ranveer believed the production house only re-approached him after the success of Dhurandhar, hoping to capitalize on his momentum.
This specific allegation appears to have prompted Hrithik’s public clarification.
Hrithik Sets the Record Straight
By publicly distancing himself from Don 3, Hrithik has effectively shut down the rumour mill. His statement makes his position crystal clear—he wasn’t part of any discussions, formal or informal, related to the film.
The actor’s intervention also highlights the extent to which unverified reports can spiral in the digital age. What might have started as industry chatter transformed into widespread speculation, forcing Hrithik to issue an official denial.
Where Don 3 Stands Now
Excel Entertainment has maintained radio silence. There’s been no official update on revised casting or production timelines. The franchise, which has consistently delivered box office gold with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, now finds itself in uncertain territory.
Farhan Akhtar’s vision for Don 3 remains under wraps. Whether the project will move forward with a completely new lead or face further delays is anyone’s guess. Industry insiders are watching closely as one of Bollywood’s most lucrative franchises navigates this unexpected turbulence.
The Don 3 latest news suggests that stakeholders are regrouping, but concrete developments remain elusive.
The Fallout and Industry Impact
This controversy raises questions about script development timelines and actor-producer relationships in big-budget franchises. Ranveer Singh’s reported concerns about script readiness echo broader conversations within the industry about the importance of pre-production planning.
For now, fans of the Don franchise are left waiting. The stylish crime thriller that redefined Bollywood action remains in limbo, caught between creative differences and casting complications. Whether the next Don will emerge from this chaos—and who that might be—remains the industry’s most talked-about mystery.
