Ranveer Singh's Exit from 'Don 3' Sparks Controversy in Bollywood
The Ongoing Saga of 'Don 3'
The journey to capture the elusive third 'Don' has taken a dramatic turn, escalating to the point where the issue has reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) after passing through legal channels.
**Bollywood's Iconic 'Dons'**
The legacy of 'Don' began in the 1970s with Amitabh Bachchan, followed by Shah Rukh Khan's iconic portrayal in 2006. Shah Rukh's reign as 'Don' was unmatched until Ranveer Singh was announced as the lead for the upcoming third installment.
**Farhan Akhtar's Announcement**
As discussions about 'Don 3' heated up, speculation about the next 'Don' intensified, with Ranveer Singh emerging as a strong candidate. Farhan Akhtar, the franchise's director and co-producer, eventually confirmed Ranveer's casting.
**Casting Updates**
In August 2023, it was officially revealed that Ranveer Singh would portray 'Don' in *Don 3*. Known for his roles in *Gunday*, *Ram-Leela*, and *Simmba*, this was a significant milestone for him. Initially, Kiara Advani was set to play the 'Junglee Billi', but Kriti Sanon later took over the role.
**Production Delays**
Despite finalizing the cast, filming faced numerous delays. Originally slated to start in August 2024, the date was pushed to January 2025, and then further postponed. Ranveer's commitments to *Singham Again* and personal life, along with Farhan's focus on *120 Bahadur*, contributed to these setbacks.
**Ranveer's Success with 'Dhurandhar'**
Before filming could begin, Ranveer's film *Dhurandhar* became a box-office hit, shifting the focus away from *Don 3*. Following this success, rumors surfaced that Ranveer might exit the project due to 'creative differences'.
**Confirmation of Exit**
It was later confirmed that Ranveer had stepped away from *Don 3*, citing dissatisfaction with the script and a desire for changes. The delays in production also hindered his other projects.
**Financial Implications**
Reports indicated that Ranveer's departure could cost Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani around ₹40–45 crores, leading them to seek compensation. Farhan brought the issue to the Producers Guild of India, but it remains unresolved.
**Industry Response**
In April, Farhan escalated the situation by filing a complaint with the FWICE. Despite attempts to reach Ranveer for a response, he did not reply. Consequently, the FWICE announced a 'non-cooperation' directive against him, calling for a ban on the actor.