Harshvardhan Rane to lead Shootout in Dubai as series moves beyond Mumbai

Shootout in Dubai moves the franchise to the UAE. Starring Harshvardhan Rane, this fictional third film swaps Mumbai's grit for a swanky global look. The screenplay wraps in March 2026.

Harshvardhan Rane/Instagram

The third installment in the critically acclaimed Shootout film series will take place outside India. The makers have finally decided to set the story in the United Arab Emirates rather than Mumbai after years of planning and multiple script revisions. Shootout in Dubai is a radical break from the regional gangster thrillers that came before it.

Building on a legacy

Shootout at Lokhandwala kicked off the series in 2007, while Shootout at Wadala debuted in 2013. Both films gained attention for their realistic depictions of police interactions and the seedy underbelly of Mumbai. In contrast to previous installments, the third will take place globally. Harshvardhan Rane is currently the only actor whose part has been formally confirmed.

The project has been actively developing since 2021, according to a report in Mid Day. Sources close to the production said the creative team was adamant about the script's intensity, which led to the lengthy gestation period. The makers, Ektaa R Kapoor and Sanjay Gupta, reportedly commissioned six significant revisions of the screenplay before settling on one that satisfied their needs.

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Maintaining the franchise's signature intensity

The focus was still squarely on preserving the unique "visceral punch" that consumers relate to the brand. "There was no pressure to rush this," a source told the tabloid. The makers made it plain that they wouldn't approve the script unless it matched the tenacity and bravado of Lokhandwala and Wadala. Each revision highlighted a different tone. It appears they have found a viable bet and will secure it by March.

In contrast to the preceding two films, which were based on real-life incidents involving the Mumbai police and other historical sources, the plot of Shootout in Dubai would be entirely fictional. The change in setting also implies that the series' visual style is evolving. Dubai will provide contemporary architecture and high-scale production values, displacing the gritty back alleys of Mumbai.

Global visual asthetic

According to the insider, "This one is designed to feel swankier," while talking about the new direction and visual style. They further said that whether it's a more global visual grammar, glass towers, motorways, or nightlife, Dubai makes it possible. The film is still a shootout, but it has a new look.

Additional casting announcements and filming schedules will likely be revealed once the screenplay is finished in March 2026.

Shootout in Dubai FAQs:

Q: Is there a third movie in the Shootout franchise?

A: Yes. Following Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) and Shootout at Wadala (2013), the third installment has been officially announced. Titled Shootout in Dubai, the film is being produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and co-creator Sanjay Gupta.

Q: Who is the lead actor in Shootout 3?

A: Harshvardhan Rane is the first actor officially confirmed to headline Shootout in Dubai. Known for his roles in Sanam Teri Kasam and Taish Rane takes over the mantle previously held by Vivek Oberoi and John Abraham.

Q: Where is Shootout 3 being filmed?

A: As the title suggests, the film’s setting has moved from the streets of Mumbai to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai).

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