Ranveer Singh reacts to Farhan Akhtar demanding Rs 40 crore from him: ‘I would have been replaced without compensation if…’

Even after generating excitement with a teaser introducing Ranveer Singh as the new face of the iconic character in Don 3, the much-anticipated project failed to move forward, and the partnership between the actor and the makers eventually collapsed. According to a report published by Variety India, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is now allegedly seeking ₹40 crore in compensation from the Dhurandhar star. The claim suggests that the producers had already invested that substantial amount into pre-production work before Ranveer exited the film.

In an attempt to settle the dispute, the Producers Guild of India reportedly convened a private meeting where representatives from both sides presented their arguments and defended their respective positions.

As per fresh updates, Ranveer maintained during the discussion that he bears no financial responsibility since he never accepted any signing amount or payment from the production house. To strengthen his stance, he cited a past experience involving director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Ranveer had reportedly dedicated nearly a year preparing for Baiju Bawra, only for the film to be shelved later. Despite the time and effort invested, he did not seek monetary compensation from Bhansali when that project was abandoned.


Sources quoted in a Bollywood Hungama report indicated that Ranveer firmly asserted he could not be asked to return money he had never received. From his perspective, reimbursing such a significant sum was unreasonable and unjustified.

The same report further stated that Ranveer referenced Shah Rukh Khan during the meeting. He reportedly argued that if Shah Rukh—who previously portrayed Don in Farhan Akhtar’s earlier installments—had agreed to headline the third film, he himself would have been replaced without any financial settlement. On those grounds, he believed it was fair that he should not be obligated to pay ₹40 crore.

Earlier coverage from the publication had also suggested that Ranveer accused Excel Entertainment of lacking professionalism and seriousness about commencing production. He allegedly pointed out the absence of a finalized script and claimed that Farhan was unreceptive to creative suggestions. Additionally, Ranveer reportedly mentioned that the producers had explored casting Hrithik Roshan before approaching him again following the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar.

Ranveer has previously collaborated with Excel Entertainment on films such as Gully Boy and Dil Dhadakne Do. He is next set to appear in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, scheduled for release on March 19.