The highly anticipated "Don 3" has been engulfed in controversy following Ranveer Singh's departure from the project. The fallout has resulted in a blame game, with Singh citing unprofessionalism at Excel Entertainment, while producer Farhan Akhtar has alluded to unreasonable demands from the actor.
According to reports, Ranveer Singh has accused Excel Entertainment of not being serious about bringing "Don 3" to fruition. Singh stated that Farhan Akhtar never had a finalized script and was resistant to feedback and incorporating subplots. He prefers working with fully developed material as an actor. Singh also alleged that Excel explored the possibility of casting Hrithik Roshan and only re-approached him after the success of "Dhurandhar" to capitalize on his momentum. Singh’s team claimed he faced three years of indecision, alleging Akhtar was focused on multiple commitments while "Don 3" remained underdeveloped.
Excel Entertainment, headed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, has countered these allegations. Sources close to the production house claim that Singh was always kept in the loop regarding creative decisions and that he never raised any concerns about the script. Farhan Akhtar maintains that Singh was enthusiastic about portraying the third generation of Don and approved the script at every stage.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced that Excel Entertainment is seeking ₹40 crore in compensation from Ranveer Singh to cover pre-production costs incurred before his exit. The production house is reportedly seeking reimbursement for losses and has urged producers' bodies to frame resolutions against unreasonable demands from actors.
While details regarding specific demands remain unconfirmed, some reports suggest that Akhtar highlighted issues with Singh's temperament and demands. One source claimed that Singh insisted on seven vanity vans, including two exclusively for his staff, and also wanted a DJ on set daily. However, these claims are unverified. In the past, Ranveer Singh has been known to request three vanity vans: one for personal use, one as a gym, and one for his private chef. There have also been reports of a Bollywood couple demanding 11 vanity vans, though it was not confirmed to be Singh and his wife, Deepika Padukone.
The Producers Guild of India (GUILD) held two closed-door meetings to address the situation. The first meeting focused on the implications of a film collapsing during advanced pre-production. The second meeting involved key industry stakeholders, including Aamir Khan, to discuss Singh's allegations and Excel's counterclaims.
The future of "Don 3" remains uncertain. The project, which was officially announced in August 2023, aimed to continue the legacy of the franchise. However, the dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment has cast a shadow over the film's prospects.