In a strongly worded submission, the actor's representatives argued that IMPPA holds no authority to adjudicate financial damages between the parties, warning that any adverse resolution passed by the body would prompt immediate legal action in court.
Core Defense: "Only an MoU, No Formal Contract"
The clash unfolded during IMPPA’s proceedings on August 18, where both parties presented their documentation:
The MoU Stance: Singh’s legal team stated that the actor had never executed a formal, binding actor agreement with Excel Entertainment for Don 3, operating instead under an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Challenging IMPPA’s Authority: The defense argued that complex damage claims of this magnitude cannot be resolved via association resolutions:
"Excel Entertainment has no grounds to complain to an association body. If the producers wish to pursue damages, they can take the matter directly to a court of law. If IMPPA passes any unilateral resolution against the actor, he will seek legal recourse."
Father's Representation: The formal defense and documents were submitted after the actor’s father, Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, met with IMPPA officials to present Singh's side of the case.
Excel Entertainment’s ₹45 Crore Claim
Excel Entertainment approached industry bodies following Singh’s exit in late 2025, just weeks before a large crew was slated to fly abroad for the film’s first international schedule:
Producers' Submissions: Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani submitted documentation including signed paperwork, pre-production logistics bills, promotional material previously filmed, and communication logs where Singh had expressed enthusiasm for the role.
Internal Industry Sentiment: While high-profile mediation sessions featuring top industry veterans took place earlier this year, opinions within producer circles remain divided—with some IMPPA members arguing that eleventh-hour project exits create severe financial liabilities for production houses.
Trade Verdict:
With Ranveer Singh challenging the authority of film bodies to enforce damages and Excel Entertainment standing firm on its ₹45 crore claim, the Don 3 dispute has moved beyond informal industry mediation. Unless a mutual settlement is brokered in the coming weeks, the dispute appears headed for a courtroom battle.
