The ongoing controversy surrounding Don 3, Ranveer Singh, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) escalated on June 3 when the film workers' body addressed the media in Mumbai. This press conference followed FWICE's withdrawal of its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh after the actor issued a legal notice.
FWICE Chief Criticizes Ram Gopal Varma
During the interaction, FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit strongly criticized filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma for his recent remarks against the federation and demanded a public apology. Addressing the media, Pandit stated, "FWICE is not a bully; it's a serious federation. Ram Gopal Varma used abusive language about us. We would like to tell the world today: RGV owes more than a crore to the technicians. The case has been going on since 2017."
Long-Standing Dispute Highlighted
Pandit further alleged, "He (Ram Gopal Varma) wrote a letter to the federation. He asked for support from the federation to give him time to make the payment. He said he would pay by March 2019. He has still not paid. We demand an apology from him for using abusive words against the federation."
RGV's Social Media Outburst
The remarks were in response to a series of social media posts by Ram Gopal Varma after FWICE announced its decision to impose a ban on Ranveer Singh. Known for his outspoken views, the filmmaker questioned the federation's authority and accused it of overstepping its role. In one post, Varma wrote, "BAN 'FWICE' and not @RanveerOfficial. The so called 'BAN' or non co operation in the style of Gandhiji, will eventually become a BIG FAT JOKE on FWICE. This isn't industry or worker protection, like they are claiming. It is just a pure performative muscle flexing, by an extremely outdated union system, desperately trying to hold on to their grip. Whether it claims to speak for over 5 lakh or 50 lakh workers, the brutal truth is that most of those lakhs don't even know the internal facts of the two parties dispute."
He also questioned the federation's role in resolving disputes, writing, "FWICE is neither a court of legal justice nor a government authorised regulatory body, and at best it's a kangaroo court, which by definition pretends to deliver justice, but in actual fact it disregards established legal rules, due process, and impartiality. That is because the verdict is often decided in advance by a group of a specific agenda oriented people meeting privately including actors who are scared shitless with the mega success of @RanveerOfficial in Dhurandhar. This will be a massive PR Disaster for FWICE because It is screaming in desperation while at the same time demonstrating its outdatedness."
Escalating Tensions
The exchange has added another layer to the larger Don 3 controversy, with tensions continuing to simmer between the film body and those who have publicly opposed its actions. The federation has reiterated its stance, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect within the industry.
