The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s departure from ‘Don 3’ continues to spark debate within the film industry. Reports indicate that the project was built around the actor for approximately 32 months before the collaboration came to an abrupt end in December 2025.
Far from being a film in the early planning stages, ‘Don 3’ is allegedly in the pre-production stage, with significant investments already made and multiple departments actively working on the project.According to Bollywood Hungama, Excel Entertainment has reportedly started laying the groundwork to introduce Ranveer Singh as the new face of the ‘Don’ franchise in April 2023. The production house has reportedly bankrolled and shot the teaser before unveiling it publicly on August 9, 2023.
This revelation marked a major shift for the franchise, as Ranveer moved into a role that was 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 recast. The makers remained committed to their vision and centered the franchise around Ranveer despite the mixed response.“People forget what Excel did for this project. They didn’t just cast Ranveer. They cast him as well.”
They have relaunched one of the most popular Indian cinema franchises around it. Reports said that Don 3’s entire campaign, positioning and long-term planning revolved around Ranveer Singh despite his successive failures.Reports also stated that the collaboration progressed steadily over the next two years. A term sheet outlining the basic terms of Ranveer’s association with the film was reportedly signed in August 2024, while discussions continued on a detailed agreement thereafter.
The latest version of the script was allegedly shared with the cast in March 2025, suggesting that creative discussions are still ongoing.
Industry observers noted that at this point the film appeared to be heading toward production rather than remaining in development.
Ranveer Singh’s work is extensive in the pre-production stage
In August 2025, Excel Entertainment shared an extensive schedule with Ranveer Singh’s team which included workshops, costume fittings, look tests and basic photography plans.
Production was reportedly scheduled to begin in January 2026 and continue until July of the same year.According to reports, Ranveer participated in training sessions between November 3 and 12, 2025, with the related expenses being covered by the production house. It was also said that additional rehearsals, design sessions and look tests were part of the preparations.“At that point, this was not a film awaiting approvals. It was a film getting ready to go on floors.
Multiple departments have been activated, schedules have been blocked, and significant funds have already been spent,” said an industry source.
Questions surrounding coming out
What has left many industry insiders confused is the timeline leading up to the announcement of Ranveer’s 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 just days before the collaboration concluded.A trade veteran reportedly commented, “This is the question everyone is asking. If there are fundamental problems with the script, budget or the project itself, why do we continue with hands-on training, costume trials, rehearsals and script readings? Ranveer or his team have yet to answer that convincingly.”The appearance test scheduled for December 17 was canceled shortly before it was scheduled to take place. Three days later, on December 20, Ranveer Singh informed the producers via a phone call that he would no longer be associated with the film.
The industry continues to discuss the situation
While Ranveer Singh’s camp has confirmed that there are concerns about the project, the actor has not publicly addressed the matter in detail. Reports indicate that many in the trade continue to analyze the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the exit.As one producer noted, “Actors have every right to reject a film. But if preparations continue to the final stage and the producer continues to invest money based on those commitments, then naturally questions will be asked of the actor.”With ‘Don 3’ remaining one of the most anticipated projects in Hindi cinema, the developments surrounding Ranveer Singh’s exit continue to spark discussions across the industry, especially in light of the extensive planning and resources that have reportedly already gone into the film.
