The highly anticipated third installment of the Don franchise is currently making headlines for all the wrong reasons. What began as a transition of power from Shah Rukh Khan to Ranveer Singh has reportedly devolved into a heated legal and professional dispute, with the Producers Guild of India now stepping in to mediate.
The Hrithik Roshan Allegation
In a shocking revelation from closed-door meetings held recently, Ranveer Singh reportedly alleged that the makers were “unprofessional” in their handling of the project. According to sources present at a meeting on February 7, attended by industry heavyweights like Aamir Khan and Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ranveer claimed that Excel Entertainment had actively explored casting Hrithik Roshan for the lead role while he was still attached to the project.
Ranveer reportedly suggested that the production house only fully committed to him after the massive box-office success of his recent film, Dhurandhar. He allegedly claimed the makers were trying to “capitalize on his momentum” rather than respecting the creative process, further stating that he endured nearly three years of indecision while Farhan Akhtar prioritized other acting and directing commitments.
Creative Differences or Financial Fallout?
While Ranveer’s side points toward a lack of a “bound script” and creative dissatisfaction, Excel Entertainment has presented a very different narrative. The production house has reportedly demanded ₹40 crore in compensation from the actor for walking out of the project just months before filming was set to begin.
Excel Entertainment maintains that A script was shared and approved by Ranveer at multiple stages. Substantial funds were already invested in pre-production based on his commitment. The actor’s exit has caused significant financial setbacks and forced the team to downsize their crew.
The Current Standoff
Adding to the confusion, insiders close to Hrithik Roshan previously denied any official talks, stating the actor was never approached for the role. However, Ranveer’s recent claims have reignited the debate over whether the makers were keeping their options open.
As of now, Don 3 appears to be on indefinite hold. Farhan Akhtar is reportedly shifting his focus back to his long-awaited road-trip film, Jee Le Zaraa, while the search for a new “Don” remains suspended until the script can be reworked for a different lead.
What’s Next?
The Producers Guild continues to facilitate talks between the two parties to reach a settlement. Whether this ends in a financial payout or a quiet reconciliation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the hunt for the next king of the underworld just got a lot more complicated. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
