'Don 3' dispute escalates; Producers Guild plans sit-down over Ranveer Singh–Farhan Akhtar casting tussle
Times of India
by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESKFebruary 14, 2026
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The "Don 3" controversy has heated up as tensions between actor Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar's production house reach a boiling point. After Singh's exit from the project, the filmmakers have demanded ₹40 crore in compensation for pre-production expenses, claiming they were spent on preparing for the film. The Producers Guild of India is set to mediate an informal meeting between the two parties by late February. If no resolution is reached within ten days, the case may escalate to CINE & TV ARTISTE'S ASSOCIATION (CINTAA), a governing body that balances producer and artiste interests. This move comes amid growing concerns over rising production costs in Bollywood and the financial pressures faced by filmmakers.
The dispute highlights the simmering tensions between actors and producers in the Indian film industry. Sources close to the Producers Guild revealed that no formal complaint has been filed, but both sides will be given a platform to present their arguments. After the meeting, they'll have a ten-day window to reach an agreement. The outcome of this mediation could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future, particularly as production costs continue to rise and actor entourages grow increasingly demanding.
The conflict also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Bollywood's elite. Reports suggest that Ranveer Singh felt Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film's producers, lacked seriousness toward "Don
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026