Don 3 casting shake-up! Shah Rukh Khan eyes return post Ranveer Singh exit with 'Atlee condition'? Here's what we know
Ranveer Singh reportedly exits Don 3. Shah Rukh Khan may return, but only if Jawan director Atlee helms the global action film. Official word from Excel Entertainment is still pending.
Last Updated: 10.59 AM, Jan 17, 2026
One of the most popular action franchises in Bollywood may be experiencing yet another change in its setting. There has been some major news surrounding the much-anticipated Don 3 recently. A return to the eponymous role for Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly contingent upon a specific directing requirement, following years of rumours and a contentious casting change.
Why did Ranveer Singh reportedly exit Don 3?
As per a report in TellyChakkar, the production has reportedly reached a critical juncture after Ranveer Singh's rumoured departure. Many fans, who had identified the character with SRK since 2006, were strongly opposed to Singh's official introduction as the franchise's new face in August 2023. According to reports, the actor left the production due to creative differences or scheduling conflicts, despite Excel Entertainment's previous decision to continue with him.
The void Singh's departure created has given Shah Rukh another opportunity. The superstar's return, though, is more involved than just signing a contract. Khan reportedly has a major condition on his participation: filmmaker Atlee must be involved. The 2023 smash hit Jawan reimagined the "mass action" genre in Hindi cinema and shattered multiple box office records; it was co-written and directed by the celebrated Tamil filmmaker.
How would Atlee’s involvement change Don 3's vision?
The "Atlee condition" seems to primarily justify the film's scope and production values. SRK supposedly wants to turn the third film into an international action extravaganza, even though Farhan Akhtar helmed the first two installments of the revived franchise, Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011). With Atlee's involvement, Don 3 is anticipated to meet the current standards of Pan-India films, owing to his reputation for creating high-octane sequences and showcasing lifelike character modelling.
Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment has not commented officially on these reports. The third installment's script has been in development for several years at the production company. It is yet unknown if Akhtar would stand aside as director and stay on as a writer and producer, or if a co-directing arrangement would be set up, assuming the reports about Atlee are true.
What commercial factors are driving Don 3's production decisions?
The studio is under commercial pressure, as shown by the "No SRK, No Don" campaign that went viral on social media in the months after Singh's casting. A "bulletproof" box office prospect for the trade would be a reuniting of the Jawan duo—Khan and Atlee—within the Don universe.
The project is still in the planning stages at this time. Fans should hold off on making any assumptions about Don 3 casting or directing decisions until they hear officially from Excel Entertainment. If the deal goes through, it could lead to one of the biggest casting switches in Bollywood in recent memory.
Don 3 FAQs:
Q: Is Shah Rukh Khan returning for Don 3?
A: According to recent reports, Shah Rukh Khan is in talks to return to the Don franchise following the rumored exit of Ranveer Singh. While not officially confirmed by Excel Entertainment, insiders suggest Khan is open to reprising the role, provided his specific directorial requirements are met.
Q: Why did Ranveer Singh leave Don 3?
A: Ranveer Singh has reportedly stepped away from Don 3 due to creative differences and scheduling conflicts.
Q: Has Kiara Advani been replaced in Don 3?
A: Yes, following Kiara Advani’s reported exit from Don 3, latest updates suggest that Kriti Sanon is the frontrunner to take over the female lead role.