Ranveer Singh has landed in a major controversy. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor. The action follows complaints about his sudden exit from Don 3, directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Excel Entertainment.
Ranveer’s Abrupt Exit
According to reports, Ranveer Singh pulled out just weeks before filming began. Consequently, producers feared heavy losses and delays. FWICE officials described the matter as serious, stressing that last-minute exits damage the industry.
FWICE Issues Non-Cooperation Directive
FWICE’s honorary general secretary Ashok Dubey announced that no member of the federation would work with Ranveer Singh until the dispute is resolved. The directive covers all departments, including cameramen, spot boys, and light technicians. Dubey revealed that multiple letters were sent to Singh. However, no response was received until after the press conference was announced. Singh reportedly replied later, claiming FWICE had no jurisdiction over the matter.
The dispute also reached the Producers Guild of India. Efforts were made to mediate between Singh and Excel Entertainment. Yet, discussions reportedly failed to produce a settlement. Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, had already invested nearly ₹45 crore in pre-production. Singh’s exit, therefore, caused significant disruption.
FWICE Leaders React Strongly
FWICE president B. N. Tiwari emphasized that no individual is above industry rules. Chief advisor Ashoke Pandit added that the federation issued notices to Singh on three occasions. Since no reply came in time, the office bearers unanimously imposed the non-cooperation directive. Pandit further explained that the decision covers 38 crafts across the industry. He appealed to producers to stand in solidarity, warning that similar situations must be discouraged in the future.
Don 3 was announced in August 2023 as a reboot of the franchise. Farhan Akhtar planned to return to direction after Don 2 in 2011. Ranveer Singh was introduced as the new Don. However, reports suggest he later walked out citing script changes. Producers allege that Singh delayed the project multiple times before finally exiting in December last year. As a result, the film’s production suffered repeated setbacks.
Industry Concerns Over Last-Minute Exit
Ashoke Pandit highlighted a growing pattern of actors leaving projects at the final stage. He stressed that such exits disrupt producers, technicians, and workers. FWICE’s intervention, he said, aims to protect the interests of the industry. The federation, established in 1956, represents film and television workers across India. It routinely steps in to resolve disputes between artists, technicians, and production houses.
The non-cooperation directive comes at a time when Ranveer Singh is enjoying box office success. His recent film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, featured Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. Nevertheless, the FWICE ban has cast a shadow over his career. Producers now face uncertainty about whether Singh can participate in upcoming projects until the dispute is resolved.
Ranveer Singh’s abrupt exit from Don 3 has triggered industry-wide consequences. FWICE’s strong stance reflects growing frustration with last-minute withdrawals. The directive not only halts Singh’s collaborations but also sends a clear message: the film industry will not tolerate disruptions that jeopardize workers and producers alike.
