The anticipation for Don 3 reached a fever pitch on Wednesday night when the film's new leading man, Ranveer Singh, shared a warm moment with director Farhan Akhtar at a star-studded event in Mumbai. Their reunion at the special screening of Farhan's war drama, 120 Bahadur, instantly sent fans into a speculative frenzy, with many hoping it signals a major update for the long-awaited third installment of the iconic franchise.
A Red Carpet Moment That Set the Internet on Fire
Videos and photos from the red carpet quickly went viral across social media platforms. The clip showed Ranveer Singh, dressed in a simple yet elegant black kurta-pyjama, greeting Farhan Akhtar with a broad smile and a hearty hug. This seemingly casual interaction was all it took to ignite the hopes of countless fans who have been eagerly waiting for news on Don 3 since its official announcement back in August 2023.
One excited fan commented, "Can they start filming tomorrow? Kriti and Ranveer will be fire together." Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "I think their energy matches… it’ll be a treat." The online chatter was dominated by questions like "Toh kya hum DON 3 locked samjhein?!" (So, should we consider Don 3 locked?), highlighting the intense public interest in the project.
Behind the Scenes: The Don 3 Delay and the Road Ahead
While the reunion has fueled optimism, the journey to Don 3 has seen its share of delays. According to industry reports, the hold-up was a strategic decision. A source revealed that Ranveer Singh needed time for the online trolling, which ensued after he was announced as the successor to Shah Rukh Khan in the franchise, to subside. Farhan and Ranveer mutually agreed to pause before diving into production.
Furthermore, the role of Don is physically demanding, requiring extensive training in martial arts and a significant physical transformation. Ranveer has been using this time to prepare himself mentally and physically for the challenging part. On the other hand, Farhan Akhtar has been deeply occupied with his acting commitment in 120 Bahadur, where he portrays the demanding role of Major Shaitan Singh.
The latest reports now suggest a clear path forward. Don 3 is expected to go on floors in January 2026, targeting a grand theatrical release in December 2026. While it was initially reported that Kiara Advani would star opposite Ranveer, it is now widely believed that Kriti Sanon has been roped in as the female lead. An official confirmation on the full cast and plot details is still awaited.
A Glittering Night for Bollywood
The 120 Bahadur screening itself was a major event, drawing a who's who of the film industry and beyond. Ranveer, who is currently riding high on the success of his film Dhurandhar's trailer, arrived to show his support for his friend Farhan. The guest list was a testament to the film's significance, featuring legends like Rekha and Waheeda Rehman, stars such as Kajol, Hrithik Roshan with Saba Azad, Tabu, Tiger Shroff, and Zayed Khan, comedian Kapil Sharma, and even cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar with his wife Anjali.
After the screening, Ranveer was also spotted at the after-party, mingling with Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, and Kapil Sharma, capping off an evening that successfully blended a patriotic film premiere with a fresh wave of excitement for one of Bollywood's most anticipated sequels.
