The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s departure from ‘Don 3’ continues to generate discussion within the film industry. Reports suggest the project had been tailored around the actor for almost 32 months before the collaboration reportedly came to an abrupt end in December 2025. Far from being a film in its early planning stages, ‘Don 3’ was allegedly deep into pre-production, with significant investments already made and multiple departments actively working on the project.According to Bollywood Hungama, reports suggest that Excel Entertainment began laying the groundwork for Ranveer Singh’s introduction as the new face of the ‘Don’ franchise in April 2023. The production house reportedly financed and shot the announcement teaser before unveiling it publicly on August 9, 2023.The reveal marked a major shift for the franchise, with Ranveer stepping into a role previously associated with Shah Rukh Khan. At the time, the decision sparked strong reactions from fans, with some welcoming the change and others expressing reservations about the recasting. The makers remained committed to their vision and positioned the franchise around Ranveer despite the mixed response.“People forget what Excel did for this project. They didn’t merely cast Ranveer. They re-launched one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic franchises around him. The entire Don 3 campaign, positioning and long-term planning revolved around Ranveer Singh despite his back-to-back flops,” reports stated.Reports also stated that the collaboration moved forward steadily over the next two years. A term sheet outlining the principal terms of Ranveer’s association with the film was reportedly signed in August 2024, while discussions regarding a detailed agreement continued thereafter. The latest version of the script was allegedly shared with the actor’s team in March 2025, indicating that creative discussions were still progressing. Industry observers note that by this stage, the film appeared to be moving toward production rather than remaining in development.
Ranveer Singh’s extensive pre-production work
In August 2025, Excel Entertainment shared a comprehensive schedule with Ranveer Singh’s team that included action workshops, costume fittings, look tests, and principal photography plans. The production was reportedly scheduled to begin filming in January 2026 and continue through July of the same year.According to reports, Ranveer participated in action training sessions between November 3 and November 12, 2025, with related expenses allegedly covered by the production house. Additional rehearsals, styling sessions, and look tests were also said to be part of the preparations.“By that stage, this was not a film waiting for approvals. This was a film preparing to go on floors. Multiple departments had been activated, schedules had been blocked, and substantial money had already been spent,” an industry source reportedly stated.
Questions surround the exit
What has left many industry insiders puzzled is the timeline leading up to Ranveer’s reported departure from the project. Reports suggest that the actor participated in script-reading sessions alongside director Farhan Akhtar and other key cast members on December 15 and 16, 2025. These meetings reportedly took place only days before the collaboration ended.One trade veteran reportedly remarked, “That is the question everyone is asking. If there were fundamental problems with the script, budget or the project itself, why continue with action training, costume trials, rehearsals and script readings? Ranveer or his team have not convincingly answered that yet.”A look test planned for December 17 was cancelled shortly before it was due to take place. Three days later, on December 20, Ranveer Singh allegedly informed the producers over a phone call that he would no longer be associated with the film.
Industry continues to debate the situation
While Ranveer Singh’s camp has maintained that there were concerns regarding the project, the actor has not publicly addressed the matter in detail. Reports suggest that many within the trade continue to analyse the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the exit.As one producer reportedly observed, “Actors have every right to reject a film. But if preparations continue till the final stretch and a producer keeps investing money based on those commitments, then naturally questions will be asked to the actor.”With ‘Don 3’ remaining one of the most anticipated projects in Hindi cinema, the developments surrounding Ranveer Singh’s exit continue to fuel discussion across the industry, especially given the extensive planning and resources that reports suggest had already gone into the film.
