The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has stepped into the growing dispute surrounding the upcoming film 'Don 3' after reports claimed that actor Ranveer Singh walked out of the project shortly before its scheduled shoot. Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of the federation, has called the matter serious and criticized what he described as a troubling trend of actors leaving films close to production. The issue now sits before the film body, which is expected to decide its next course of action following an internal meeting.
FWICE Reviews 'Don 3' Dispute
According to a report by News18, Ashoke Pandit reacted to the ongoing row between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment, the production banner led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The matter concerns Ranveer’s reported exit from 'Don 3', a film that has already faced multiple delays and drawn significant public attention due to its high-profile casting. The franchise, which previously featured Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, remains one of Bollywood's most anticipated upcoming releases.
It was reported earlier that FWICE President B.N. Tiwari, Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit, Honorary General Secretary Ashok Dubey, and Treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav were expected to attend a crucial internal meeting to discuss the matter. A press conference was also anticipated after the meeting to announce the federation’s decision and potential actions.
Ashoke Pandit on Ranveer Singh Exit Row
Speaking to Bombay Times, Pandit emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He stated, “It’s a very serious matter, and this trend is very wrong. You can’t withdraw from a project 10 days before the shoot starts. We are having an internal meeting first, and then we are taking a call.” When asked about the possible outcome, Pandit added, “We will do something which is justified now. We will not allow the industry to be doomed here. Tomorrow, anybody can walk out of the movie. Whatever we will do, we will do it in the interest of the industry.”
The dispute had earlier reached the Producers Guild of India, where senior producers reportedly attempted to mediate between the parties. According to reports, Excel Entertainment claimed that the team had spent heavily on pre-production and locked key plans before Ranveer’s exit. Other reports indicated that talks around a settlement had not yet reached a final decision, leaving the matter unresolved.
Farhan Akhtar also addressed the issue in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. He remarked, “A lot has happened over the last couple of years. You learn to expect the unexpected. Nothing can be taken for granted till you actually have it on film.” His comments suggest the challenges faced during the film's development.
As the FWICE prepares to deliberate, the entertainment industry watches closely. The federation's decision could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in Bollywood, particularly regarding the obligations of actors to projects they commit to. The meeting is expected to yield a formal statement outlining the federation's stance and any potential disciplinary measures.
