09 February,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ranveer Singh
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh is reportedly caught in a major financial and legal standoff with production house Excel Entertainment after stepping away from the much-anticipated action film Don 3. Industry insiders suggest the disagreement has turned into a Rs 40 crore deadlock, with the studio allegedly seeking compensation for losses incurred during pre-production.
The conflict reportedly stems from Excel Entertainment's significant investment in the early stages of the film, including scheduling, logistical planning, and hiring crew members. Sources claim the production house believes Singh's sudden exit stalled the project and resulted in substantial financial damage that they should not have to bear alone.
Ranveer Singh, however, is said to be pushing back strongly against the demand. According to reports, the actor does not believe he should be held financially responsible for stepping away from the film. Insiders indicate that Singh's decision was driven by creative differences, particularly concerns regarding the script and the film's direction. He reportedly maintains that the project had moved forward only after he initially approved it, making the current compensation claim unfair.
A meeting between representatives of both parties was reportedly held to resolve the matter, but it ended without a breakthrough. With no immediate solution in sight, uncertainty now surrounds the future of Don 3. The production house is believed to have slowed down certain pre-production activities, with some teams allegedly advised to explore other opportunities until clarity emerges.
The film was expected to be one of Excel Entertainment's biggest ventures, generating significant buzz due to its scale and Ranveer Singh's involvement. The ongoing stalemate has raised questions about whether the project will proceed with a new lead actor or face further delays.
As neither side appears willing to compromise, the situation has become a talking point across the film industry. Trade experts note that disputes of this scale are rare and could potentially influence how contracts and exit clauses are handled in big-budget Bollywood projects moving forward.
For now, all eyes remain on whether the disagreement will be settled through negotiation or escalate into a more formal legal confrontation.