As Kriti Sanon officially joins 'Don 3', we analyse: will it be a bold new era or big shoes to fill?

After weeks of swirling speculation and subtle Instagram hints, it's finally official: Kriti Sanon is the leading lady of Don 3. Confirmed by Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment, the announcement puts an end to the guessing game and opens a brand-new chapter for one of Bollywood's most celebrated actresses. But as the dust settles around this casting coup, one big question remains: is Kriti Sanon the perfect fit for the world of Don?

From Kiara to Kriti: The Don 3 Casting Carousel

Originally, Don 3 was slated to feature Ranveer Singh opposite Kiara Advani, but the actress opted out of the project during her pregnancy. As per reports, Kiara chose to step back to focus on her personal life after welcoming her first child with Sidharth Malhotra on July 15, 2025.

Enter Kriti Sanon, who had been spotted several times outside Excel Entertainment's office, fuelling rumours of her inclusion in the film. A sweet birthday post to Ranveer Singh where she wrote "Looking forward to working with you soon!" only added fuel to the fire. And now, Excel's press note has sealed the deal: Kriti is officially part of Don 3.

Kriti Sanon: Ready for Action?

Kriti has been lauded for her versatility over the years, whether it's playing a surrogate mother in Mimi, which earned her the National Award for Best Actress, or delivering comedy, drama, and romance with ease. But action? That's still a space she's exploring.

She did attempt the genre with Ganapath opposite Tiger Shroff, but the film failed to make an impact at the box office. While her physicality and presence showed potential, the film's weak storyline didn't let her shine. However, Don 3 may just be the platform she needs to cement herself as a true blue action heroine.

Filling Priyanka Chopra's Shoes

Let's not forget, Priyanka Chopra's Roma in Don and Don 2 left quite the legacy. Fierce, layered, and emotionally charged, Priyanka's performance was an integral part of the franchise's appeal. Naturally, comparisons are bound to happen. Kriti will have to balance glam and grit, matching the energy of Ranveer Singh's reimagined Don while carving her own identity in the franchise. That's no small task. But if her recent choices and growth as an actor are anything to go by, she may just surprise everyone.

A Franchise Reboot with New Fire

Don 3 has had an unusually long runway. Farhan Akhtar, who directed Shah Rukh Khan's Don and Don 2, is back at the helm. While some fans were disappointed when SRK exited the franchise, the announcement teaser featuring Ranveer Singh as the new Don intrigued many. The visual treatment hinted at a sleek, high-octane thriller with a whole new tone.

Now, with Kriti on board, fans are curious about the new pairing and the story that will unfold. As per Excel Entertainment's latest update, the film is expected to go on floors in January 2026, and casting is still underway for the antagonist.

Rumours were rife that Vikrant Massey and Vijay Deverakonda were being considered for the role of the antagonist. However, both actors reportedly turned down the role due to it lacking depth. The makers are still in talks with a top A-list actor, but no names have been officially announced.

While Don 3 is yet to begin shooting, the excitement is already palpable. Will she rise to the challenge and become the new face of Bollywood action heroines? Or will the pressure of expectations weigh heavy? Either way, the industry, and her fans will be watching closely.

With Farhan Akhtar returning to the director's chair, fans can expect his signature blend of sleek storytelling and stylish visuals. The film also marks the first on-screen pairing of Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon, a duo that promises to bring fresh energy and chemistry to the franchise. High-octane action sequences, crafted with international-level production quality, are set to elevate the cinematic experience. Adding to the excitement are persistent whispers of possible cameos by Shah Rukh Khan or Priyanka Chopra, though nothing has been officially confirmed.