Vijay Deverakonda said to have turned down villain role in ‘Don 3’

Speculation surrounding Vijay Deverakonda’s involvement as the antagonist in Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film ‘Don 3’ has been put to rest. Despite widespread rumours suggesting that the Telugu star who’s film Liger had flopped in Bollywood earlier, would make his return by taking on a negative role in the highly anticipated action thriller, reliable sources confirm that Deverakonda has declined the offer.

‘Don 3’, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is set to feature Ranveer Singh as the new Don, with Kriti Sanon stepping in as the female lead. The film, which is currently in pre-production, is expected to begin shooting in January 2026, with international locations such as London being considered for its high-octane sequences.

Reports indicate that Deverakonda was indeed approached by the makers to play the primary antagonist, a role previously linked to Vikrant Massey. The idea of Deverakonda facing off against Singh in the stylish world of ‘Don’ generated significant excitement among fans. However, the actor, who is currently focused on his Telugu film commitments, has chosen to be selective with his Bollywood projects. He cited timing and the nature of the role as reasons for declining the opportunity, preferring to concentrate on his upcoming Telugu releases.

With Deverakonda officially out of the running, the search for the film’s villain continues. The casting process is still underway, and the production team is expected to announce the final line-up in the coming months. Meanwhile, anticipation for ‘Don 3’ remains high, especially with the possibility of cameo appearances by Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, both of whom have previously starred in the franchise.

‘Don 3’ aims for a December 2026 release and is poised to be a major addition to one of Bollywood’s most iconic film series. As the cast finalises and production gears up, all eyes remain on who will ultimately play the formidable adversary to Ranveer Singh’s Don.