Kamal Ghorui
The fallout between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Don 3 is intensifying, with mediation efforts now at a standstill. Earlier this month, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani formally approached the Producers Guild of India, demanding Rs 40 crore in compensation from Ranveer for allegedly backing out of the project without adequate notice.Ranveer, however, has strongly refuted the claims, alleging unprofessionalism on the banner’s part and pointing to prolonged delays that kept the film in limbo for years.
The Producers Guild, which was asked to step in as mediator, has now reportedly advised both sides to seek resolution through legal channels. According to insiders, the body stated it could not facilitate a settlement when neither party was prepared to yield ground.In an attempt to defuse tensions, several leading producers and studio heads, including Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ektaa Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar and Punit Goenka, gathered at Aamir Khan’s Mumbai residence a fortnight ago. Though invitations were extended to numerous prominent producers, only a limited number attended.During the meeting, both camps laid out detailed arguments. Ranveer reportedly came equipped with a compilation of emails and WhatsApp messages to substantiate his stance, while Farhan and Ritesh defended Excel Entertainment’s position. Sources claim that Farhan and Ritesh stood firm on their compensation demand, and Ranveer remained equally resolute, leaving little room for compromise.“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.Insiders further reveal that discussions between Ranveer and Farhan continued until roughly two weeks before the release of Dhurandhar. Shortly thereafter, Ranveer chose to exit the project. He is said to have initially offered to cover a portion of the losses incurred during the pre-production and development phases of Don 3. However, upon learning of the substantial compensation figure sought by Excel Entertainment, he reportedly withdrew that offer.“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.Ranveer officially stepped away from Don 3 in December 2025, but the dispute resurfaced in February when Farhan and Ritesh escalated the matter to the Producers Guild, formally seeking reimbursement for the alleged financial setbacks caused by his departure. Despite multiple rounds of discussions involving the key stakeholders and several industry heavyweights, the deadlock persists, with both sides unwilling to soften their positions.
