Recent developments in Bollywood have sparked intense speculation about the casting of Farhan Akhtar's highly anticipated "Don 3," starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role. The conjecture began when Kriti Sanon was spotted at the Excel Entertainment office, fueling rumors that she might be stepping in to replace Kiara Advani as the female lead.

Kiara Advani was initially cast for "Don 3," but reports surfaced indicating that she had to withdraw from the project. Several sources attribute this decision to her pregnancy, as she and her husband, Sidharth Malhotra, are expecting their first child. Prioritizing her personal well-being during this special time, Advani reportedly opted out of the demanding action thriller.

Following Advani's departure, speculation arose regarding her replacement. Sharvari Wagh's name was initially mentioned as a potential contender, but more recent reports suggest that Kriti Sanon is now the frontrunner for the coveted role.

According to a Pinkvilla report, Kriti Sanon has already given her initial consent to star opposite Ranveer Singh in "Don 3" and is expected to finalize the agreement in the coming weeks. A source close to the development revealed that Farhan Akhtar and the Excel Entertainment team were seeking an experienced actress with a strong screen presence, and Kriti Sanon perfectly fits the bill. The source added that Sanon has the aura to portray Roma on screen and is excited to sign the dotted lines soon.

If Kriti Sanon officially joins the cast, it would mark a significant addition to the "Don" franchise. The National Award-winning actress has proven her versatility and talent in various roles, showcasing her ability to handle both dramatic and action-oriented characters. Her screen presence and experience would undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the film.

Farhan Akhtar is set to return to the director's chair after a decade, heightening expectations for this rebooted action saga. The film is expected to be shot extensively in Europe, with locations already finalized. The script is also reportedly locked, with only minor polishing and action design remaining. Pre-production work is expected to continue for the next few months, and the team aims to begin filming by October or November 2025.

Before commencing work on "Don 3," Kriti Sanon has other projects to complete, including Aanand L Rai's "Tere Ishk Mein" and Dinesh Vijan's "Cocktail 2." She is also reportedly in discussions for a horror thriller titled "Nai Naveli," also backed by Aanand L Rai, tentatively planned for a 2026 release.

The "Don" franchise has a rich history in Bollywood, starting with the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer "Don" in 1978. Excel Entertainment acquired the rights to remake the film and rebooted the franchise in 2006 with Shah Rukh Khan in "Don: The Chase Begins Again," followed by "Don 2: The Chase Ends." In 2023, the production house confirmed the final film of the series, "Don 3," with Ranveer Singh taking over the iconic role.