The rumor mill is churning with speculation that Hrithik Roshan may step into the lead role in "Don 3," following reports of Ranveer Singh's departure from the project. While neither Roshan nor the film's producers have confirmed the news, sources suggest that the "War 2" actor is a strong contender to take on the iconic character.

The potential casting shift comes after Ranveer Singh was initially announced to take over the role of Don, previously portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan in Farhan Akhtar's rebooted franchise. Akhtar had lauded Singh's energy and saw the casting as an opportunity for the actor to explore a more nuanced performance. However, recent reports indicate that Singh is no longer attached to the project due to creative differences with the filmmakers. Some reports initially claimed that Singh's exit was influenced by the success of his film "Dhurandhar," but sources close to the production deny this.

Hrithik Roshan's name has emerged as a potential replacement, sparking excitement among fans. This wouldn't be the first connection between Roshan and the "Don" franchise. He made a cameo appearance in "Don 2," where Shah Rukh Khan's character used a disguise to impersonate Roshan during a heist. Whether the filmmakers plan to incorporate this previous link into the new film remains to be seen, but the possibility has generated considerable buzz.

Roshan's established stardom, action credentials, and suave screen presence make him a fitting choice for the morally ambiguous world of Don. According to sources, the "Don 3" team is eager to explore the possibility of Roshan taking over the franchise. "Following Ranveer's exit, Hrithik has emerged as a strong contender for the role," a source told Filmfare. "While discussions are still at a very early stage, it will be interesting to see whether Hrithik ultimately comes on board".

The "Don" franchise boasts a rich legacy, with Amitabh Bachchan originally playing the character in the 1978 film. Shah Rukh Khan then stepped into the role in Farhan Akhtar's remake, further solidifying the character's place in Bollywood history. Whoever assumes the mantle of Don must possess the charisma and screen presence to live up to the expectations set by these predecessors.

As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Hrithik Roshan's casting in "Don 3". However, the ongoing discussions suggest that the actor is a serious contender for the role. The film is slated to begin shooting in January 2026.