Don 3 dispute intensifies: Ranveer Singh-Farhan Akhtar face-off heads to legal battle- Reports

The much-anticipated third instalment of the Don franchise has become the centre of an escalating dispute between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s banner Excel Entertainment. What began as creative differences has now snowballed into a financial standoff, with the matter inching toward a legal confrontation.

Related Story: Don 3 row: Aamir Khan steps in as peacemaker in Ranveer Singh-Farhan Akhtar fallout- Reports

Rs 40 Crore Compensation Demand

Earlier this month, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani formally knocked on the doors of the Producers Guild of India, seeking Rs 40 crore in compensation. The producers allege that Ranveer exited Don 3 without adequate notice, leading to substantial financial setbacks during its development phase.

However, Ranveer has denied the allegations. The actor reportedly cited prolonged delays and alleged unprofessional conduct, claiming the project had been stuck in limbo for years.

Mediation Attempts Collapse

The Producers Guild was initially approached as a neutral mediator. However, the impasse appears to have deepened rather than eased.

“As an organization, the Producers Guild of India can intervene only to a certain extent. With both parties standing firm, the guild members advised them to involve their legal teams and resolve the matter through the proper legal route,” a source close to the development told Variety India.

With neither camp willing to soften its position, the Guild has reportedly stepped back, suggesting that the matter be settled in court.

Also Read: Don 3: Hrithik Roshan FINALLY breaks silence on being 'approached' to replace Ranveer Singh

Industry Heavyweights Step In

In a bid to broker peace, several prominent figures gathered at Aamir Khan’s Mumbai residence nearly two weeks ago. Among those present were Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ektaa Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar, and Punit Goenka. Despite the star-studded mediation effort, the discussions yielded no breakthrough.

Ranveer reportedly presented a trail of emails and WhatsApp exchanges to defend his decision, while Farhan and Ritesh maintained their demand for compensation. Both sides remained unwavering.

Goodwill Offer Withdrawn

Insiders suggest that conversations between Ranveer and Farhan continued until just weeks before the release of Dhurandhar. Shortly afterward, Ranveer decided to walk away from Don 3. While he is believed to have initially offered partial financial support as a goodwill gesture, that proposal was reportedly retracted once the compensation demand touched Rs 40 crore.

“Ranveer is not agreeing to pay that amount because he bears no financial liability for the losses. He was willing to pay a certain amount just as a gesture of goodwill, which Farhan didn't agree to,” the source added.

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Deadlock Continues

Although Ranveer Singh officially exited Don 3 in December 2025, the issue reignited in February when Excel Entertainment escalated the matter to the Producers Guild. Multiple rounds of meetings have failed to break the stalemate. 

With both camps firmly entrenched, the dispute now appears headed for a legal showdown, casting a long shadow over one of Bollywood’s most awaited action franchises.