‘Don 3’ Row Escalates As Farhan Akhtar Complains To Film Body Over Ranveer Singh’s Exit

Mumbai: The row over Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated film ‘Don 3’ has taken a fresh turn with the actor-filmmaker filing a complaint with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) against Ranveer Singh over his sudden exit from the film.

The complaint was submitted through the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), where Farhan is a member, News18 reported.

FWICE is examining the complaint and the circumstances before arriving at a decision, which will be communicated in a press conference on Monday.

“During the press conference, FWICE will officially address the matter and communicate its stand and decision after examining the complaint and the related circumstances,” a statement said.

The dispute between Ranveer, and producers Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment came to light in December.

Ranveer, who was basking in the success of ‘Dhurandhar’, abruptly walked out of ‘Don 3’. Ranveer was announced as the film’s lead actor, to take over the mantle from Shah Rukh Khan, who had played the title role in Farhan’s ‘Don’ (2006) and ‘Don 2’ (2011).

There were reports of Ranveer having demanded changes in the script, which apparently did not go down well with the makers.

Farhan and Ritesh’s production house Excel Entertainment halted the film’s production and reportedly sought Rs 40 crore in damages, claiming that they had already spent Rs 40 crore on the film’s pre-production and that Ranveer had approved the script at every stage.

The dispute was taken to the Producers Guild of India, but it advised the two parties to resolve the issue amicably rather than pursuing a legal route.

There was also a buzz that Ranveer accused Farhan of considering replacing him with Hrithik Roshan owing to his career slump, but then decided to retain him following the massive success of ‘Dhurandhar’.

Hrithik, it may be recalled, played an important cameo in ‘Don 2’.