The Don 3 controversy has once again become the talk of Bollywood. Farhan Akhtar, the filmmaker and actor, recently made a comment that many are seeing as a direct swipe at Ranveer Singh over his sudden exit from the much-awaited film. While speaking about the 25th anniversary of his directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai, Farhan recalled how Saif Ali Khan almost left that project just days before filming. He then added a remark about actors leaving films close to the shoot date, saying it “seems to be a pattern nowadays”.
Although Farhan did not take Ranveer’s name, the timing and context of his statement made the reference clear to everyone. The comment has brought back attention to the ongoing dispute between the actor and the makers of Don 3, a conflict that has been making headlines for months.
Farhan Recalls Saif Ali Khan’s Near Exit from Dil Chahta Hai
During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan opened up about the challenges he faced while making Dil Chahta Hai. He shared that Saif Ali Khan, who played a key role in the film, almost walked away from the project because of a scheduling conflict with another movie.
Farhan explained that Saif was in a difficult position and eventually decided to leave the film, even though everyone tried to convince him to stay. The filmmaker admitted that the situation was extremely stressful for him.
“For me, it was just like my head was destroyed because when we met him, when we got into it, there was nobody else who could have played that part. It was just impossible.”
He described Saif’s possible exit as a “true heartbreak” because he could not imagine anyone else in that role. The actor’s decision came roughly a month before the filming was scheduled to begin.
The ‘Pattern Nowadays’ Remark That Everyone Is Talking About
While discussing the timing of Saif’s departure, Farhan made a statement that many believe was aimed at Ranveer Singh and the Don 3 controversy.
“It was a month away from filming, which seems to be a pattern nowadays.”
The interviewer laughed at the comment, clearly understanding the reference. Farhan then smiled and added:
“But, not just with me… aisa bhi hota hai (this happens).”
Though he did not mention Ranveer by name, the remark pointed directly to the actor’s reported exit from Don 3, which also happened just weeks before the film was set to go on floors.
Understanding the Don 3 Exit Controversy
The Don 3 dispute began in December 2025 when Ranveer Singh reportedly walked away from the project. This happened shortly after the release of his film Dhurandhar, which was a commercial success. The film was scheduled to begin shooting by the end of January 2026.
Ranveer had been announced as the new face of the Don franchise in August 2023, taking over a role previously played by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. His exit came as a shock to the industry and the fans.
According to multiple reports, Ranveer cited concerns over the script, budget, and production delays as reasons for his departure. He also mentioned that he was not fully confident about the project’s direction. However, the makers of Don 3, Excel Entertainment, did not accept his decision easily.
Financial and Legal Fallout
The exit led to a major financial dispute between the two parties. Reports suggest that Rs 40 to 45 crore had already been spent on the film’s pre-production work. Ranveer reportedly offered to return his signing amount, but the makers demanded compensation for the losses they had incurred.
The matter escalated when Farhan and his business partner Ritesh Sidhwani approached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The film body issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer, although it was later revoked. Ranveer also reportedly sent a legal notice to the FWICE following the directive.
Efforts to resolve the issue through mediation have taken place, but the matter remains unresolved. There were also rumours that Salman Khan and Aamir Khan had tried to play peacemakers, but those reports were denied by sources close to the actors.
Related: Suniel Shetty Defends Ranveer Singh Amid Don 3 Row: “This Kid Has Given ₹3,500 Crore Revenue”
Farhan’s Earlier Comments on the Don 3 Fallout
This is not the first time Farhan has spoken about the Don 3 controversy. In April 2026, he broke his silence on the issue in an interview with the same publication. At that time, he said that the experience had taught him to “expect the unexpected”.
“What I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected. Nothing can be taken for granted until you actually have it on film.”
He also reflected on the challenges that come with filmmaking and said that he takes such hurdles in his stride. His recent comment about a “pattern” suggests that he has not fully moved on from the incident.
Ranveer Singh’s Silence on the Matter
Ranveer Singh has largely stayed away from publicly discussing the Don 3 controversy. Most of the communication regarding the issue has come through his spokesperson. Reports have also suggested that Ranveer has decided not to give any interviews for 18 months amid the ongoing dispute.
His silence has only added to the curiosity surrounding the matter. Fans and industry observers continue to speculate about what really led to his exit and whether the two parties will ever resolve their differences.
What This Means for the Don Franchise
The Don franchise is one of Bollywood’s most popular series. The first two films, starring Shah Rukh Khan, were big hits. The third instalment was expected to take the franchise in a new direction with Ranveer Singh in the lead role.
However, with Ranveer’s exit and the ongoing legal battle, the future of Don 3 remains uncertain. The film has not yet begun shooting, and there is no official word on who will replace Ranveer or when the project will finally go on floors.
Farhan’s recent comment has once again put the spotlight on the controversy. While it was a playful remark, it also showed that the wound from the Don 3 exit is still fresh.
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Farhan Akhtar’s “pattern nowadays” comment has added a new chapter to the Don 3 saga. While he did not name Ranveer Singh, the reference was clear to everyone following the story. The dispute between the actor and the makers has become one of Bollywood’s most talked-about controversies, and it does not seem to be ending anytime soon.
With legal notices, industry body involvement, and now public remarks, the tension between Farhan and Ranveer continues to make headlines. Fans of both the franchise and the actors are waiting to see what happens next.
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