What was meant to be one of Bollywood’s biggest action-thriller announcements has now turned into a full-blown industry controversy. Reports suggest that actor Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s production banner, Excel Entertainment, are at odds following Ranveer’s exit from the much-anticipated film Don 3.
According to industry insiders, Excel Entertainment has demanded Rs 40 crore in compensation from Ranveer Singh after he walked out of the project in December 2025. The film was slated to go on floors in January 2026 and was already deep into pre-production. By then, the makers had reportedly invested heavily in script development, detailed scheduling and location planning, making the sudden exit a costly setback.
Ranveer Singh was officially announced as the new lead of the Don franchise in 2023. Stepping into a role previously made iconic by Shah Rukh Khan in Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011) and originally immortalised by Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 classic, his casting was seen as a bold and high-risk move. Many believed Ranveer’s energy and screen presence could redefine the franchise for a new generation.
However, things did not go as planned. Reports indicate that Ranveer chose to leave the project due to creative differences. The production house, meanwhile, maintains that his decision disrupted months of preparation and led to major financial losses. Industry sources familiar with the situation suggest that while the actor felt creatively dissatisfied, the producers believe the timing of his exit caused significant damage to the project.
The fallout has surprised many, especially given Ranveer Singh’s long-standing association with the Akhtar family and Excel Entertainment. He previously starred in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), produced by Excel, where he played Kabir Mehra alongside Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma. The film was both a critical and commercial success and Farhan Akhtar also appeared in the movie, strengthening their professional bond.
Excel Entertainment also backed Gully Boy (2019), directed by Zoya Akhtar and starring Ranveer Singh. The film went on to become a cultural landmark and India’s official entry to the Oscars, further cementing their successful collaboration. This history has made the current dispute all the more unexpected.
With tensions rising, the Producers Guild of India has reportedly stepped in to mediate between the two parties. Neither Ranveer Singh nor Excel Entertainment has released an official statement so far but negotiations are said to be ongoing. Ranveer is reportedly contesting the compensation demand, believing he is not legally required to pay the amount.
Despite the controversy, Ranveer Singh’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently gearing up for Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar and scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. The film also stars Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt, and Ranveer is reportedly in talks for additional projects.
The dispute highlights the immense stakes involved in legacy franchises like Don. More than just a film, it’s a brand built over decades. Whether this disagreement leads to a settlement or escalates further, it has already become one of Bollywood’s most talked about industry clashes of 2026.
