Amid Don 3 buzz, Salman Khan turns peacemaker for Ranveer, Farhan

Salman Khan has reportedly stepped in to mediate the escalating feud between Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. The superstar's intervention comes amid a fierce controversy surrounding Don 3 following Singh’s abrupt exit and a subsequent non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Salman personally reached out to both Ranveer and Farhan in an attempt to ease tensions and help resolve the issue amicably. Sources close to the two told the outlet that the superstar, who shares a cordial relationship with both parties, heard out their individual perspectives and tried to calm the situation.

The reports further suggest that Salman explained to Farhan how creative disagreements are common in the film industry and advised both sides against escalating the matter further. He also reportedly encouraged them to maintain a healthy professional relationship despite the fallout.

Salman also urged Ranveer and Farhan to move on from the controversy and remain open to collaborating again in the future once things settle down.

The row intensified after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following his abrupt exit from Don 3. The controversy has since triggered mixed reactions across the film industry.

How it started

Ranveer Singh was announced as the new face of Don 3 in 2023, stepping into an iconic role previously portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. The announcement generated mixed reactions, with fans expressing curiosity, excitement and debate over the franchise’s new direction.

However, after the initial buzz, the project witnessed a long period of silence, with no significant updates regarding the cast, shooting schedule or release timeline, sparking widespread speculation online.

Reports later claimed that creative differences had emerged between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar-led production house Excel Entertainment. According to speculation, the actor was reportedly frustrated over repeated delays and the absence of a finalised script. There were also reports suggesting that Ranveer wanted a darker and grittier take on Don, whereas Farhan Akhtar was keen on retaining the tone and style established in the earlier films.

Then, it was reported that Ranveer Singh exited the film just days before the scheduled shoot, which escalated things further.

FWICE’s role in the matter

The issue later moved beyond a professional disagreement. Industry reports claimed Excel Entertainment sought nearly Rs 40-45 crore in damages from the actor, citing pre-production losses. The matter was reportedly taken to the Producers Guild of India for mediation before reaching FWICE.

FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit said Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani had personally approached the federation. He said major expenses had already been made, including overseas recce trips, hotel bookings and arrangements for more than 200 crew members. Pandit also said Ranveer had signed a three-film agreement with Excel Entertainment and had been involved in script discussions and the announcement shoot.

Earlier, as per reports, weeks before the dispute spilled into the public domain, Ranveer Singh and his team attempted to resolve matters privately with Excel Entertainment through a financial settlement proposal worth Rs 35 crores in total.

Ranveer’s camp reportedly offered Rs 10 crores as an upfront payment and an additional Rs 25 crore discount on a future film collaboration with Excel. However, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani refused to accept the offer.