A behind the scenes standoff between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Don 3 has reportedly taken a dramatic turn, with the actor invoking Shah Rukh Khan’s name while resisting a 40 Indian crores' compensation demand.
Don 3 was officially announced in 2023 with a teaser introducing Ranveer as the new face of the franchise, previously led by Shah Rukh Khan in Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011).
Pre-production progressed through last year, but following the release of Ranveer’s film Dhurandhar, reports surfaced that he had exited the project, allegedly due to creative differences.
Soon after his departure, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment reportedly sought 40 crore from Ranveer, citing expenses incurred during pre production.
The dispute led to two meetings between the parties, mediated by the Producers Guild of India, where industry stakeholders reviewed the matter from both perspectives.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Ranveer strongly contested the demand, arguing that he was not liable for compensation because he had not accepted any payment from the producers for Don 3.
A source was quoted saying, “Ranveer Singh also pointed out that he was to work in a film called Baiju Bawra, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He prepped for the challenging role for almost a year and turned down several films as a result. Ultimately, Baiju Bawra was shelved and Sanjay Leela Bhansali then began working on Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Ranveer revealed that he was not compensated for the year he spent preparing for the role. He further argued that it’s the nature of the business – at times, films don’t get made or are relegated to the backburner for various reasons and no one gets compensated for it.”
Ranveer reportedly used the Baiju Bawra example to underline what he sees as an industry norm, that actors often invest time and effort into projects that never materialise, without financial recovery.
He also brought up speculation that Shah Rukh Khan was being approached to return to the Don franchise.
The source added, “Ranveer also said that there were reports that Shah Rukh Khan, who led Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), was approached for Don 3 as well. He argued that had SRK agreed, he would have been replaced, without any compensation. Hence, he felt justified in not being liable to pay the producers 40 crores.”
With both sides holding firm, the fate of Don 3 now hangs in the balance once again. Whether the franchise will move forward with a new lead, revert to its original star, or remain stalled is still unclear. For now, the industry is watching closely as one of Bollywood’s biggest action properties faces yet another twist.