Ranveer Singh has reportedly exited Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3, marking a major setback for one of Bollywood’s most anticipated projects. The decision comes following the massive success of Dhurandhar, with industry insiders citing remuneration demands, scheduling conflicts, and strategic career choices as key reasons.
The actor, who was unveiled as the new Don in August 2023, has decided to part ways with the iconic franchise after months of unsuccessful negotiations. According to mid-day reports, Dhurandhar’s phenomenal box office performance changed the equation entirely.
Why Ranveer Left Don 3
A well-placed source revealed that filmmaker Aditya Dhar wants to make Dhurandhar 2 grander, requiring Singh to shoot additional portions in early 2026. This created scheduling conflicts with Don 3’s planned production timeline.
Following Dhurandhar’s box office triumph, Singh indicated a remuneration hike that didn’t align with Don 3’s allocated budget. “The actor also indicated a hike in his remuneration after Dhurandhar’s success, which did not align with Don 3’s budget. The parting of ways was amicable, albeit inevitable,” the source told mid-day.
The formal separation came after a series of high-level meetings. Singh met Farhan Akhtar last week, followed by an official meeting on December 19 with the actor, his management team, Akhtar, and producer Ritesh Sidhwani. By December 20, it became clear the collaboration wouldn’t proceed. On December 22, Sidhwani informed all department heads in pre-production about Singh’s exit and postponed the February shooting schedule.
What’s Next for Ranveer?
Beyond scheduling conflicts, Singh has strategic reasons for stepping away. According to Pinkvilla, the actor doesn’t want to be typecast in back-to-back gangster roles after establishing himself in that space with Dhurandhar.
Singh is now fast-tracking Pralay, his zombie thriller with director Jai Mehta. The genre remains largely untapped in Hindi cinema, and Singh sees it as an opportunity to explore new territory. The film centers on a man’s fight to protect his family during catastrophic circumstances.
Sources reveal Singh is also eyeing collaborations with heavyweight filmmakers including Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Atlee, signaling his ambition to diversify post-Dhurandhar success.
Don 3’s Uncertain Future
The Don franchise holds legendary status in Indian cinema. Amitabh Bachchan immortalized the character in the 1978 original, while Shah Rukh Khan led Farhan Akhtar’s successful reboot with Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011).
Singh had expressed confidence about making the role his own, telling Deadline, “I’m hoping to make Don my own and give it my spin, my interpretation. It is the handing over of the baton of one of the most loved and revered franchises of Hindi cinema.” He compared the situation to Daniel Craig’s James Bond casting, which also faced initial skepticism.
The film had already seen casting changes when Kiara Advani, originally cast as the female lead, exited due to pregnancy and was replaced by Kriti Sanon. Vikrant Massey was also attached to the project.
Dhurandhar’s success has undeniably elevated Singh’s bargaining position, creating a scenario where projects locked in earlier required renegotiation. For Excel Entertainment and Farhan Akhtar, the challenge now lies in finding an actor who can carry the Don legacy forward while fitting within budgetary constraints.
