New Delhi: Tension brews in Bollywood as Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment clash over the Don 3 project. Reports say the producers want Rs 40 crore from Ranveer after he quit, citing script issues.

Now, the Producers Guild steps in for talks this month. Will mediation save the day, or is a bigger industry fight ahead? Fans wait as stars’ egos and big budgets collide.

 Producers Guild plans mediation meeting

The Producers Guild of India will meet Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar by late February to settle the Don 3 dispute, Mid-Day reports. A senior Guild member said, “No formal complaint has been placed before the general body. But both sides will be heard informally.” This comes after Excel demanded Rs 40 crore for pre-production costs, delays, and entourage expenses following Ranveer’s exit.

Another source added that after informal talks, both parties get 10 days for mutual resolution. “If talks fail, the body is likely to escalate the issue to the Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA). CINTAA’s involvement would ensure that both producers’ and artistes’ interests are balanced,” the source explained.

Roots of the fallout

Ranveer left Don 3 because he was unhappy with the script, a source told Variety India. “He repeatedly requested changes and was dissatisfied with the final draft,” the source said. Excel claims they started pre-production only after Ranveer’s approval. The production house sent letters about releasing departments and advising heads to find other work due to delays.

A recent two-hour meeting between Ranveer and Excel failed to resolve things. Farhan announced Ranveer as the new Don in August 2023 via video. Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan played the role before in Hindi versions.

Push for industry rules

The case may spark new guidelines on entourage costs, as producers face rising budgets. A Guild source noted, “Producers today are bearing disproportionate financial pressure due to expanding entourage. Seeing that stars’ entourages remain bloated, as evident from this case, it’s best to put guidelines in place.” This mediation could set standards for future Bollywood deals.