In early 2025, reports confirmed that Vikrant Massey, known for his intense roles in “12th Fail” and “Sector 36,” was officially set to portray the main antagonist opposite Ranveer Singh in Don 3, Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming installment in the iconic action‑thriller franchise . However, in mid‑July, it was reported that Massey had exited the project, prompting producers to seek a new villain.

Amidst cast reshuffling, Karan Veer Mehra, the winner of Bigg Boss 18 and previously seen in shows like Remix and Pavitra Rishta, has emerged as a top contender for the antagonist role. He was recently spotted outside Excel Entertainment’s office, fueling speculation about a possible entry into the film. Industry insiders mention his powerful transformation in the upcoming project Silaa as a factor garnering attention from the filmmakers. No official confirmation has yet been released.

Earlier, other names such as Vijay Deverakonda and Aditya Roy Kapur were also reportedly approached for the part, although negotiations did not materialize into confirmed casting. Vijay Deverakonda, in particular, is said to have declined the offer.
Beyond the villain’s seat, Kriti Sanon recently took over as the female lead in Don 3 after Kiara Advani exited the project due to her pregnancy. The film continues to generate high levels of interest as fans await final announcements on casting and filming updates. Production is expected to begin in early 2026.

Points to be noted :
- Vikrant Massey was originally confirmed for the villain role but later exited.
- Karan Veer Mehra is among the frontrunners now being considered.
- Alternatives like Vijay Deverakonda and Aditya Roy Kapur were discussed but not finalized.
- Kriti Sanon officially replaced Kiara Advani as the female lead.
- Final casting decisions are still pending as the film prepares for a 2026 shoot.