The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has hit back at filmmaker Sanjay Gupta amid the ongoing controversy over Ranveer Singh's casting in the upcoming film Don 3. In a strongly worded statement, FWICE recalled a previous matter involving actor Jackie Shroff, criticizing Gupta for his comments.
Background of the Dispute
The row began when Sanjay Gupta, known for films like Kaante and Zinda, questioned the casting of Ranveer Singh as the new Don in the franchise, which was previously led by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Gupta took to social media to express his displeasure, calling the decision a 'joke'. This led to a backlash from FWICE, which represents various film workers in the industry.
FWICE's Response
In its response, FWICE reminded Gupta of a past incident where the federation had intervened on behalf of Jackie Shroff. According to FWICE, Shroff had faced issues with a production house, and the federation had to step in to resolve the matter. The statement implied that Gupta should not be making such comments given his own industry experiences.
The federation also defended the casting of Ranveer Singh, stating that the actor has proven his mettle and is a worthy successor to the iconic role. They urged Gupta to respect the decisions of the filmmakers and not create unnecessary controversy.
Reactions from the Film Industry
The film fraternity is divided on the issue. While some support Gupta's right to express his opinion, others believe that casting decisions should be left to the filmmakers. Ranveer Singh has remained silent on the matter, focusing on his preparations for the role.
Don 3 is one of the most anticipated films in Bollywood, with Farhan Akhtar directing the third installment of the popular franchise. The film is expected to go on floors later this year.
