A fresh detail from the ongoing Don 3 dispute has sparked conversation across the film industry. One of the most significant moments during the mediation proceedings between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment came when producer Ritesh Sidhwani allegedly asked the actor a direct question: would he have exited Don 3 if Dhurandhar had not become a blockbuster?According to those present at the meeting, Ranveer’s answer was no.
The question that reportedly changed the room
According to a Variety report, the exchange took place during mediation sessions convened after Ranveer’s exit from Don 3 triggered a dispute with Excel Entertainment, the production company headed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.The publication reported that after Ranveer presented his concerns regarding the script, budget, creative process and remuneration, Sidhwani posed a pointed question about whether the actor would still have walked away from the project had Dhurandhar not emerged as a massive box-office success.As per the publication, Ranveer replied that he would not have.
The backdrop to the dispute
Ranveer was announced as the new face of the Don franchise in 2023. However, in December 2025, just weeks before production was scheduled to begin, he reportedly informed Excel Entertainment that he was stepping away from the film.His departure led to a reported damages claim of approximately Rs 45 crore from the production house, which alleged that significant pre-production investments had already been made.The matter eventually escalated to mediation involving several senior Bollywood personalities and later resulted in the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a non-cooperation directive against the actor.
No public response from Ranveer Singh
While details from the mediation proceedings continue to emerge, Ranveer has not publicly addressed the specific claims. His spokesperson previously stated that the actor had chosen to maintain silence and believed professional matters should be handled with “dignity, maturity and mutual respect.”Excel Entertainment has also refrained from commenting on the specifics of the dispute, stating only that it is following due process.As of now, no settlement has been reached, and the standoff between Singh and Excel Entertainment remains unresolved.
