The Don 3 casting saga has taken a sharper turn, with Ranveer Singh at the centre of a fresh dispute tied to compensation, accountability, and the financial risk of pre production. As Don 3 continues to face turbulence behind the scenes, a new detail from the actor’s meeting with Excel Entertainment has put the spotlight on what exactly broke down between the star and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
At the heart of the conversation is a reported demand of Rs 40 crore, a figure linked to losses incurred during Don 3’s pre production phase. Ranveer Singh, according to the account, pushed back strongly, citing his own past experience of investing time into a film that never went on floors.
Don 3 Meeting And The Rs 40 Crore Demand
The newest claim traces back to discussions held after Ranveer Singh reportedly walked out of Don 3. As per the source quoted in the original report, the producers sought reimbursement tied to money already spent developing the film.
“The bone of contention was that Ranveer Singh should pay Rs. 40 crores to Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani for the losses incurred in the pre-production of the film. Ranveer argued that he was not liable to pay as he had not taken a single paisa from the producers. Hence, paying back such a hefty amount was out of the question,” the source said.
This frames the disagreement as less about a creative exit and more about liability, especially since the actor’s side is said to have maintained that no payment had been received that would warrant a refund.
Baiju Bawra Example And Why Ranveer Says It Is Part Of The Business
Ranveer Singh reportedly referenced his earlier involvement with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Baiju Bawra to underline his stance on compensation when projects change course.
“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,” the source added.
In short, the argument being attributed to him is that professional opportunity cost is rarely reimbursed, so pre production losses should not be placed on an actor who has not drawn fees.
Shah Rukh Khan Angle And What It Means For Don 3 Next Steps
The discussion also reportedly touched on Shah Rukh Khan, who headlined Don and Don 2, and the possibility that he was approached for Don 3.
“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 Rs. 40 crores,” the source said.
What this means for Don 3 next steps is straightforward: Excel Entertainment will now need to resolve the financial and legal contours of the exit, lock a lead actor, and recalibrate the film’s schedule and pre production pipeline before moving toward a formal relaunch.
(Also read: Paresh Rawal CONFIRMS Double Role In Bhagam Bhag 2 With Akshay Kumar And Manoj Bajpayee, Says ‘Dhamaal Hoga!’)
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