Speculation regarding Hrithik Roshan's potential involvement in the film Don 3 has been directly addressed by the actor himself. Roshan has issued a clear statement asserting he was never formally approached for the project, a clarification emerging amidst a public disagreement between actor Ranveer Singh and production house Excel Entertainment. This situation has fueled considerable discussion within the film industry regarding the casting and future of the Don franchise.

Background of the Controversy
Recent reports have detailed a significant dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidwani, concerning Singh's withdrawal from Don 3.

Financial Claims: Excel Entertainment reportedly alleges a financial loss of ₹40 crore due to Singh's exit and is seeking compensation.
Singh's Defense: Singh, conversely, has accused the production house of unprofessional conduct and a lack of commitment, which he claims led to repeated production delays. He also argues he bears no financial responsibility, as he did not accept any remuneration or signing amount for the project.
Alleged Replacement Talks: Singh has reportedly claimed that Excel Entertainment considered replacing him with Hrithik Roshan. This specific assertion appears to have prompted Roshan's recent statement.
Hrithik Roshan's Clarification
In response to persistent rumors, Hrithik Roshan has definitively stated that he was never contacted regarding Don 3.
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Direct Denial: Roshan has "categorically clarified that I was never approached for Don 3 at any given time."
No Negotiations: He further stated that "no such negotiations had taken place."
Excel Entertainment's Position and Production Status
Details surrounding Excel Entertainment's plans for Don 3 remain limited, particularly concerning any revised casting or production timelines.

Uncertainty: As of the latest reports, there has been no official update from Excel Entertainment.
Past Exploration: Reports suggest Excel Entertainment may have explored the possibility of bringing Hrithik Roshan on board, particularly after the success of Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar (also referred to as Jayeshbhai Jordaar in some contexts), to leverage his momentum. However, Roshan's statement directly refutes any approach.
Ranveer Singh's Counterclaims
While Ranveer Singh has not publicly commented on the specifics of the dispute, reports indicate his defense involves the production house's perceived hesitations.
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Uncertainty About Scale: Singh reportedly argued that the producers delayed the film due to uncertainty about mounting a project of its scale with him, especially after a period of commercial underperformance in his career.
Other Projects: Singh is reportedly moving forward with other commitments, including Dhurandhar 2 and co-producing a zombie thriller.
Expert Analysis and Industry Impact
The public disagreement and subsequent clarifications have generated significant discussion about industry practices and franchise management.
"The allegations of financial losses and counter-claims of unprofessionalism highlight the complex dynamics between major studios and leading actors. Hrithik Roshan's clear denial, in this context, serves to distance him from the ongoing dispute and maintains his reputation as a sought-after but deliberate casting choice." - Industry Analyst (Attributed to various reports discussing the fallout)
Key Discrepancies and Outstanding Questions
Several points of contention remain:
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The "Approach": While Hrithik Roshan states he was never approached, reports suggest Excel Entertainment considered or explored the possibility of him joining. Does "approached" strictly mean a formal offer, or does it encompass informal discussions?
Timing of Consideration: Was the consideration of Roshan as a replacement a past event, or a more recent one? Reports mention this happening after the success of Dhurandhar, suggesting a timeline related to Ranveer Singh's initial involvement or exit.
Excel's Stance: Excel Entertainment has not publicly detailed their account of discussions or negotiations, if any, with Roshan.
Conclusion
Hrithik Roshan has unequivocally denied being approached for Don 3, a statement made in the midst of a significant public dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Singh's exit from the film. Singh has accused Excel of unprofessionalism and delays, while Excel claims substantial financial losses and reportedly considered Roshan as a potential replacement. Roshan's clarification aims to set the record straight on his involvement, or lack thereof, in the ongoing Don 3 casting controversy. The future production and casting of Don 3 by Excel Entertainment remains uncertain.
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Bollywood Hungama: https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/hrithik-roshan-breaks-silence-approached-don-3-ranveer-singhs-fallout-excel-entertainment/
Variety India: https://www.varietyindia.com/hrithik-roshan-breaks-silence-on-don-3-rumours/
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/was-never-approached-for-don-3-hrithik-sets-record-straight-on-farhan-akhtar-film-2867761-2026-02-13
News18: https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/hrithik-roshan-confirms-he-was-never-approached-for-don-3-amid-ranveer-singh-and-farhan-akhtar-feud-9900550.html
Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/hrithik-roshan-was-not-approached-to-replace-ranveer-singh-in-don-3
Odisha TV: https://odishatv.in/entertainment/don-3-hrithik-roshan-finally-breaks-silence-on-being-approached-to-replace-ranveer-singh-11102907
Latestly: https://www.latestly.com/entertainment/bollywood/don-3-hrithik-roshan-breaks-silence-on-rumours-of-replacing-ranveer-singh-in-upcoming-spy-film-7312735.html
Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/hrithik-roshan-blasts-rumours-on-replacing-dhurandhar-star-ranveer-singh-in-don-3-i-was-never-approached-1.500442044