Fact-Check: Is Atlee directing Shah Rukh Khan in Don 3? Truth behind the viral claims
The Shah Rukh Khan-Atlee rumours about Don 3 are false. Ranveer Singh exited in late 2025, and Farhan Akhtar is still revising the script. No official cast has been announced as of January 2026.
Last Updated: 10.17 AM, Jan 18, 2026
Another twist has emerged in the casting drama surrounding the third installment of the legendary Don series. Reports of Ranveer Singh's departure have fuelled conjecture that Shah Rukh Khan, the franchise's original lead, may be returning to the project. According to recent sources, the superstar was reportedly ready to play the titular anti-hero again, as long as Jawan filmmaker Atlee was roped in as the film's director. But sources close to the matter have since made it clear that the claims are baseless.
Is Atlee reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan for Don 3?
Sources close to the production have dismissed the claims as mere conjecture, despite the social media craze surrounding a prospective reunion between Shah Rukh and Atlee. The superstar hoped to expand the franchise by capitalising on the filmmaker's penchant for action-packed blockbusters.
An insider with knowledge of the production informs the Hindustan Times that the speculations about Atlee's casting in Don 3 are totally false. The filmmaker has no connection to the franchise and has never received an invitation to participate in the film.
What is the current status of Farhan Akhtar's Don 3?
It has been rumoured that Farhan Akhtar is reportedly revising the script to fit with a new artistic approach, which is why this clarification is timely. Everyone wants the "OG Don" back, but the makers aren't ready to make any official casting announcements just yet; they're still in the development phase.
As one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema, the rumours are probably based on the historic success of Jawan. The action thriller hit the ₹1000 crore club worldwide in the short 18 days after its release on September 7, 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanjay Dutt, and Deepika Padukone were all part of the film's A-list cast.
What did Atlee say about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan?
Atlee discussed his time spent collaborating with Shah Rukh in a Hindustan Times interview in 2023. The filmmaker stated, "I learnt a lot from Khan sir by being patient, getting everything right, and taking the film to the next level. Shah Rukh Sir has taught me to raise the bar. My next film will have even better energy, and we'll make something bigger than Jawan."
On the path leading up to Don 3, there have been multiple modifications. Akhtar made the original announcement in August 2023 that Singh would succeed SRK. A preview video featuring Singh, sitting in an office with his back to the camera, accompanied the announcement. Before taking the camera in his face, he made an introduction as the new Don in the video.
Why did Ranveer Singh leave Don 3?
After the massive success of his last film, Dhurandhar, the actor's career priorities changed, and he reportedly agreed to part ways with the makers in late 2025 over creative differences.
The Don heritage, which Amitabh Bachchan began in 1978 and Shah Rukh Khan continued in 2006 and 2011, dominates Bollywood news. We still haven't heard anything official about the Don 3 final cast as of January 2026.
Don 3 FAQs:
Q: Is Shah Rukh Khan returning for Don 3?
A: While fans have expressed a strong desire for the "OG Don" to return, there is currently no official confirmation that Shah Rukh Khan has signed on for Don 3. Recent rumours suggested he might return on the condition that director Atlee helms the project, but industry insiders have since dismissed these claims as unfounded.
Q: Is Atlee directing Don 3 with Shah Rukh Khan?
A: No. Recent reports clarify that filmmaker Atlee has not been approached for Don 3 and is not involved with the franchise. Despite the viral social media speculation following their collaboration on the blockbuster Jawan, sources close to the production have confirmed these rumors are "completely untrue."
Q: Why did Ranveer Singh exit Don 3?
A: Ranveer Singh reportedly parted ways with the project due to creative differences and evolving career priorities. Following the massive success of his recent film Dhurandhar in late 2025, it is suggested that the actor and producers reached a mutual agreement to move in different directions.