The highly anticipated Don 3 is facing turbulence, with reports emerging of a significant fallout between Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment and actor Ranveer Singh. What began as a creative disagreement has reportedly escalated into a financial dispute, with Excel Entertainment seeking ₹40 crore (approximately £4 million) in compensation from Singh following his exit from the project.
The core of the controversy lies in the alleged financial losses incurred by Excel Entertainment due to Singh's departure. The production house claims that Singh's exit has resulted in substantial damage, including sunk development costs, delays in scheduling, and expenses related to pre-production planning. Some reports indicate that Excel Entertainment has even been forced to let go of entire departments, asking heads of departments to seek work elsewhere. A letter accessed by Variety India reportedly confirms these cutbacks.
Ranveer Singh, however, is contesting these claims, arguing that he is not legally or ethically liable for any compensation. According to sources, Singh maintains that he exited the project due to dissatisfaction with the script, despite repeated requests for changes. He felt that the final draft did not meet his expectations. Excel Entertainment, on the other hand, argues that they moved forward with pre-production only after Singh had given his formal approval. This disagreement over accountability is now at the heart of the dispute.
The financial implications of a star-studded project like Don 3 are considerable. Excel Entertainment reportedly invested heavily in the early stages of development, including scheduling, location planning, and crew hiring, based on Ranveer Singh's commitment to the lead role. The sudden exit has disrupted these plans, leading to significant financial setbacks for the production house.
A two-hour meeting was held last Friday between representatives of Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment to resolve the dispute; however, it reportedly failed to yield any resolution. With tensions escalating, the Producers Guild of India (PGI) has reportedly stepped in to mediate between the two parties, hoping to find common ground and prevent further escalation.
Neither Ranveer Singh nor Excel Entertainment has issued an official statement on the matter. The lack of official communication has fueled speculation and uncertainty surrounding the future of Don 3. The film was formally announced by Farhan Akhtar in 2023 with a special teaser featuring Ranveer, but it has seemingly been pushed to the backburner.
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for both Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment. For Singh, it could set a precedent for actors being held financially responsible for exiting projects at a late stage. For Excel Entertainment, it raises questions about risk management and securing commitments in large-scale productions. The resolution, whether through mediation or legal means, will be closely watched by the Bollywood industry and beyond.
In the meantime, Ranveer Singh is preparing for the release of Dhurandhar: Part 2 in March 2026.