Mumbai, February 10, 2026
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Don 3, one of Bollywood’s most anticipated action films. The excitement surged earlier when Excel Entertainment released an official teaser confirming Ranveer Singh as the new lead, replacing Shah Rukh Khan in the iconic franchise.
However, the project has now become embroiled in controversy.
According to industry sources, Excel Entertainment — led by filmmaker Farhan Akhtar — has reportedly demanded ₹40 crore (approximately $4.8 million) in damages from Ranveer Singh following his exit from the film.
Why Excel Entertainment Is Seeking ₹40 Crore
The dispute reportedly began after Ranveer Singh withdrew from Don 3 in December. Sources claim the production house had already invested heavily in pre-production, including location planning, scheduling, creative development, and logistical arrangements.
Excel Entertainment allegedly believes the actor’s departure caused significant financial losses and delays, prompting the demand for compensation. The company maintains that production preparations were initiated only after Ranveer Singh had formally approved the project.
Creative Differences Over the Script
Industry insiders suggest that Ranveer Singh chose to step away from the film due to creative dissatisfaction with the script. Reports indicate that the actor requested multiple changes, but remained unhappy with the final draft.
Excel Entertainment, on the other hand, is said to argue that creative discussions were already concluded before major investments were made, placing responsibility for the fallout on the actor’s decision to exit mid-planning.
Meeting Ends Without Resolution
According to reports, Ranveer Singh and representatives of Excel Entertainment held a two-hour meeting on Friday, attempting to resolve the matter. However, no agreement was reached, with both sides reportedly holding firm on their positions.
As tensions escalated, the Producers Guild of India has stepped in to mediate and prevent the issue from turning into a prolonged legal battle.
As of now, neither Ranveer Singh nor Excel Entertainment has released an official public statement regarding the dispute.
Ranveer Singh’s Upcoming Film
Despite the controversy, Ranveer Singh remains busy on the professional front. Following the success of Dhurandhar, the actor is set to appear in its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19.
