The long-delayed third instalment of the ‘Don’ franchise has now spiralled into one of Bollywood’s most contentious standoffs, with actor Ranveer Singh’s departure from the project triggering a major dispute with filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. According to industry reports, Akhtar and Excel Entertainment are seeking compensation of approximately Rs 40 crore, claiming the actor’s withdrawal caused significant financial losses after extensive pre-production work. 

The conflict marks a dramatic downturn in a collaboration first announced three years ago, when Ranveer Singh was unveiled as the new face of the ‘Don’ universe – a casting decision that initially drew mixed reactions and online backlash. Following the blockbuster success of ‘Dhurandhar’, however, the actor’s exit has now placed the film in indefinite limbo.

How the rift emerged between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment

A report by Bollywood Hungama has offered detailed insight into the widening rift between the two sides. The outlet quoted a source saying, “Ranveer blamed Excel Entertainment for unprofessionalism and not being serious about taking ‘Don 3’ on floors. He stated that Farhan Akhtar never had a bound script in place and that, as an actor, he prefers to work only with fully developed material.”

The report added that Singh allegedly felt his suggestions regarding the screenplay were dismissed: “Ranveer also pointed out that Farhan was never open to feedback on the script and had issues incorporating certain subplots. He further alleged that Excel was exploring the possibility of getting Hrithik Roshan on board and only re-approached him after the success of ‘Dhurandhar’, to capitalise on his momentum.”

Multiple insider accounts suggest the actor endured nearly three years of uncertainty as the film failed to progress, with Singh reportedly believing that the final script draft did not match the scale promised to him when he signed on.

Two closed-door meetings held

According to Variety India, tensions escalated, prompting the Producers Guild of India (PGI) to step in and mediate. A source told the publication, “Ranveer claims he left the project because he wasn’t happy with the script. He kept asking for changes to be made and didn’t like what the final draft read. Excel, on the other hand, claims that they went ahead with pre-production only after Singh gave his go ahead.”

According to Bollywood Hungama, two high-profile meetings were conducted under PGI’s supervision. The first involved senior producers including Sajid Nadiadwala, focusing on the implications of a major project collapsing at an advanced pre-production phase. The second, which delved deeper into the dispute, was attended by Aamir Khan, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar Taurani and others.

In that meeting, Ranveer’s arguments were presented first, followed by Excel Entertainment’s version of events. Participants reportedly debated broader questions about how producers can safeguard projects when principal actors step away late in the process.

What Farhan Akhtar told the Guild

Farhan Akhtar and Excel co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani presented documentation intended to counter claims of script dissatisfaction. According to a quoted source, “Farhan maintained that Ranveer never flagged any script issues. In fact, he was enthusiastic about portraying the third generation of Don after Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. He claimed the script was shared at regular intervals and approved by Ranveer at every stage.”

Excel is said to have informed the Guild that pre-production work – conducted after Singh’s formal approval – had resulted in losses of around Rs 40 crore. The banner reportedly insisted on reimbursement and urged industry bodies to establish guidelines addressing what they view as excessive or shifting demands from leading stars.

Ranveer, meanwhile, is described as deeply frustrated with the way the franchise was managed and disheartened by the allegation that he should shoulder the financial burden for the film’s collapse.

Where things stand now

With neither side issuing an official statement yet and mediation still underway, industry insiders believe ‘Don 3’ is unlikely to move forward anytime soon.

Ranveer is currently completing work on ‘Dhurandhar 2’, slated for release on 19 March, and is expected to begin shooting ‘Pralay’, described as Bollywood’s first zombie-action film, shortly after. Farhan Akhtar is reportedly considering reviving ‘Jee Le Zaraa’, the Priyanka Chopra Jonas–Katrina Kaif–Alia Bhatt starrer that has also been stalled since its announcement.