The ongoing dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over the much-anticipated film ‘Don 3’ has sent buzz through the Bollywood industry, highlighting the complex power dynamics between leading actors and top production houses. With both sides levelling serious allegations and the Producers’ Guild stepping into it, this deadlock not only jeopardises a marquee project but also sets a concerning precedent for industry standards. As legal action looms and rumours of replacements swirl, the situation calls for urgent, transparent communication and fair practices in Indian cinema.
Source close to Excel Entertainment has stated, “Money had been spent on pre-production — scouting location, doing recce, scheduling and budgeting etc. The producers’ guild also needs to set a precedent in such cases where either the actors exit or the producers steps back. There is merit to their argument and they have also submitted messages from the actor saying he’s onboard with script development while he has complained of an absentee director.” What’s more, we now see a legal recourse looming for the two. The statement further stated, “The guild has also lost power over the years and it’s quite likely the stakeholders will take legal recourse. They appear to be deadlocked at the moment.”
The Replacement Row
Soon after the tussle began, Ranveer Singh accused the house of replacing him with Hrithik Roshan (he has denied the rumours); however, they approached him again only after the success of Dhurandhar. He also affirmed that Shah Rukh Khan was approached for Don 3, stating that if the superstar had agreed, he would have been replaced without any compensation. He further alleged that the film had no bound script, that Farhan Akhtar refused to collaborate with him, and refused to take his feedback.
However, Farhan Akhtar added that Ranveer Singh never raised any concerns about the script and was rather excited to lead the film after Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Sets The Wrong Standards
Ranveer Singh has earned his success, and Excel Entertainment ranks among the industry’s top pioneers. Given that, the deadlock sets the wrong standards and demotivates consumers who take notice of the ongoing media reports. The impasse should break, and both parties should now escalate matters in their own interests and reach a settlement that benefits both.
