From Don to Gone: Vikrant Massey Exits Don 3, Villain Slot Now Vacant

Key Highlights

 

The much-anticipated Bollywood thriller Don 3, to be directed by Farhan Akhtar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the titular role, has run into another casting roadblock with the voluntary exit of Vikrant Massey from the project. Massey, who was cast as the film's main villain—a suave, smooth-talking con artist—withdrew citing dissatisfaction with the lack of range and substance in the character. The decision comes just months ahead of the scheduled start of shooting in January 2026 and adds pressure on producers to identify a suitable replacement in time.

 

Behind Massey's Departure

 

Insiders in the industry disclose Massey was looking for a more dimensional villain with a lot of character development and action but did not think the role as presented measured up. He is also said not to have been willing to undergo the drastic physical change necessary for the role.

 

Massey's withdrawal is regarded as a setback for the production team of Farhan Akhtar, which was already troubled early this year when the original female lead Kiara Advani dropped out of the project citing her pregnancy—a void said to be filled by Kriti Sanon, although no confirmation has been announced yet.

 

Who Could Step In?

 

After Massey bowed out, the producers have been in active negotiations with Vijay Deverakonda and Aditya Roy Kapur—both of whom are known for dynamic screen presence and dramatic chops—to fill in for the villain's role. Neither of the two actors has confirmed his participation as yet, and some sources indicate that Deverakonda might be busy with other commitments.

 

The hunt is still on for the correct actor, with the filmmakers insisting on getting an actor who can instill the required intensity and depth to the villain of the film.

 

Fan Anticipation and Casting Intrigue Don 3 has created quite a buzz already, particularly with Ranveer Singh spearheading the franchise's revival and speculation about potential cameo appearances by previous Don actors Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra.

 

The final casting news is still highly anticipated, generating fresh intrigue and conjecture with approaching production deadlines.

 

Sources: Moneycontrol, Times of India, India Today