Top News

Don 3 controversy deepens as FWICE steps in over Ranveer Singh exit dispute

Sanjeev Kumar | May 24, 2026 12:22 PM CST

Mumbai: The controversy surrounding Don 3 and Ranveer Singh appears far from resolved. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is now set to examine the dispute after receiving a complaint from filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who is also a member of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), an affiliate body of FWICE. The organisation is expected to officially address the matter during a press conference and announce its position after reviewing the complaint and the circumstances linked to the actor's exit from the project.

The issue traces back to late 2025, when Ranveer reportedly walked away from Don 3 after creative disagreements with Farhan over the character's portrayal. Reports suggested the actor wanted a darker and more aggressive version of Don, while the makers preferred to stay aligned with the franchise's established tone. The exit allegedly caused financial setbacks after pre-production had already begun.

Don 3 controversy

According to reports, the makers approached the producers' body seeking a refund of nearly Rs 40 crore that had allegedly been paid to Ranveer Singh for the film. However, sources claim the actor has agreed to return only Rs 10 crore so far.

Despite the dispute, Farhan Akhtar reportedly remains committed to taking the franchise forward. Industry buzz also suggests there is a possibility of Shah Rukh Khan returning to the iconic franchise, although no official confirmation has been made yet.

The final stand from FWICE is expected to become clearer after Monday's meeting and press conference.

Ranveer's upcoming projects

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh continues to stay busy professionally. One of his major confirmed projects for 2026 is Pralay, a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller directed by Jai Mehta.

The actor is also riding high on the success of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar. The spy thriller has reportedly emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film at the domestic box office and currently ranks among the top Indian films worldwide this year.

Last month, multiple reports claimed that Ranveer's long-running dispute with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment had finally moved towards a settlement. Reports suggested both sides had reached an amicable understanding months after the actor's departure from Don 3.

While speculation around Don 3 continues, the industry is now waiting to see whether FWICE's intervention helps settle the dispute or adds another twist to the franchise's already turbulent journey.