From Dil Dhadakne Do to Don 3 drama
Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar once shared a warm, easygoing bond that Bollywood insiders often pointed to as a genuine friendship. The two had worked together in the ensemble family drama Dil Dhadakne Do, and as recently as last year, Ranveer was spotted cheering for Farhan at the screening of 120 Bahadur. But all that warmth has evaporated, replaced by what industry sources are calling one of the biggest disputes the Hindi film industry has seen in recent times.
The trigger? Don 3. Reports suggest that Ranveer’s alleged exit from the much-anticipated film — just weeks before shooting was set to begin — has led to a bitter fallout that now involves a massive compensation claim and a formal industry directive against the actor.
The Rs 45 crore claim that changed everything
According to sources close to the production, Excel Entertainment — the production banner co-founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani — has reportedly sought damages amounting to Rs 40-45 crore. The claim stems from heavy losses incurred during pre-production, which was already well underway when Ranveer allegedly pulled out.
Farhan reportedly approached both the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) after Ranveer’s exit. FWICE officials have confirmed that Farhan and Ritesh had already poured significant money into Don 3‘s pre-production before the actor stepped away. Since Ranveer did not appear before the federation to present his side, a non-cooperation directive was issued against him.
What the FWICE directive really means
Ashoke Pandit, a prominent member of FWICE, later stepped in to clarify the scope of the directive. He explained that this is not a legal ban or a blacklisting. Instead, members across 30 different crafts — from set designers to spot boys — have simply been advised to avoid working with Ranveer until the dispute is resolved.
“It’s a precautionary measure,” Pandit said, adding that the goal is to protect workers who might not get paid if the financial dispute remains unresolved. The clarification came after widespread speculation that Ranveer had been “banned” from the industry, which Pandit dismissed as inaccurate. For now, the ball remains in Ranveer’s court. Whether the two former friends can find a way to settle their differences — or whether this will go down as one of Bollywood’s most expensive fallouts — remains to be seen.