Cinema VinesThe latest development in the Don 3 controversy sees Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, the father of star Ranveer Singh, formally presenting his side to the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA). During a meeting held on Tuesday, Bhavnani handed over a bundle of documents that challenge the ₹45 crore damages claim lodged by Excel Entertainment. The association’s legal team will now scrutinise the evidence before deciding whether the dispute can be settled without further escalation.
Don 3, the third instalment of the franchise that originally starred Shah Rukh Khan, was announced in August 2023 with Ranveer Singh stepping into the lead role. After the success of his film Dhurandhar, Singh reportedly told producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani that he would not continue with the project, a decision that came just weeks before a large crew was scheduled to travel abroad for the first shooting phase.
Following Singh’s exit, Excel Entertainment approached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The producers presented their case, prompting FWICE to issue a non‑cooperation directive against the actor in May. The directive was withdrawn eight days later after talks involving FWICE, IMPPA, the Producers Guild of India and CINTAA, though it had already prompted a response from Singh’s camp. His spokesperson released a statement emphasising that the actor had chosen to remain silent about the matter and sought to keep the discussion professional.
The heart of the dispute lies in Excel Entertainment’s claim of ₹45 crore in damages. Farhan Akhtar reportedly supplied the actor’s signed contract, promotional material featuring Singh, and a message in which the star expressed excitement about beginning work on Don 3. Bhavnani’s submission counters these claims, arguing that the damages are unfounded and that the contractual obligations were not breached.
With both sides now having submitted their evidence, IMPPA is expected to review the material before determining the next steps. The association has confirmed that Ranveer Singh’s legal team is ready to participate in any forthcoming proceedings, and the outcome will hinge on the review of the documents presented by Bhavnani and the producers.
