The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against actor Ranveer Singh following his alleged last-minute withdrawal from the film Don 3. The directive prohibits FWICE members and allied unions from working with the actor until the matter is resolved.
Background of the Dispute
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, director and producer of Don 3 alongside producer Ritesh Sidhwani, approached the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) on April 2. The matter was subsequently referred to FWICE for intervention. The federation stated it had taken serious cognisance of the issue while remaining open to an amicable resolution.
Press Conference Details
Addressing the media at a press conference on Monday, FWICE President BN Tiwari, Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit, Honorary General Secretary Ashok Dubey, and Treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav announced the directive. Ashoke Pandit detailed the sequence of events, stating: “As the head of IFTDA, I referred the matter to FWICE because it is a serious issue involving significant financial stakes. We wanted all technician bodies and allied unions to be involved because when a project stops, everyone is affected.”
Pandit further revealed that the producers had incurred substantial pre-production costs. “The production house has spent around ₹45 crore on pre-production. Ranveer signed a three-film deal with the producers, and the entire recce of Don 3 was conducted in his presence. He was actively involved in script discussions, creative decisions, costume planning, and other aspects. He even shot the promo and remained part of discussions after the release of Dhurandhar Part 1. Leaving a film three weeks before the shoot cannot be justified, irrespective of the reason.”
He added, “Kal ko koi bada director film chhod de toh? That is the issue we want to address. It is not a question of a signing amount because he did not take any money.”
Multiple Attempts to Contact Ranveer
According to Ashoke, the federation made multiple attempts to reach out to Ranveer before taking a decision. “As per protocol, we invited Ranveer three times to present his side, but did not receive any response. After we announced the press conference, we received a mail stating that the federation does not fall within the jurisdiction of this issue. Later, we received another email from his team expressing willingness to discuss the matter. We are open to discussions, but we want to meet him directly just as we met Farhan and Ritesh.”
On the producers’ demand, he added, “The aggrieved party is seeking compensation for the approximately ₹45 crore spent on pre-production. Their position is that it is okay if Ranveer is not doing the film, but the expenditure incurred on the project should be returned.”
FWICE’s Stance on the Directive
Explaining the federation’s stand, BN Tiwari said, “We have issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer. A message must go to the industry that even if someone is a superstar, they are not above any rule. No member or federation associated with us will work with him until the matter is resolved. We are not saying he cannot work; we are only saying our members will not work with him for now. His team wrote to us stating that the federation does not have jurisdiction in the matter. They do not know what the federation is. We are open to meeting Ranveer directly and not through any representative. You are also a part of our industry; you did not come from the sky. No superstar is above the rules of the industry.”
The directive extends to future projects as well. “We have discussed the matter with allied unions and taken a united stand. From spot boys to bouncers, they will not work with him. What happened with Farhan today could happen with anyone else. We would react in a similar manner if a producer were to remove an actor or technician at the last minute. Once locations and production logistics are locked, one cannot step away from a project at the last minute. Responsibility is expected at every level,” he added.
Industry Impact
Ashoke added, “The federation has no personal enmity against anyone. However, in the interest of the industry, we will not accept or overlook such disruptions. We stand committed to protecting those who keep the industry running and ensuring sustained job opportunities for technicians, workers, and all crafts associated with filmmaking. The industry can only function collectively; it cannot be sustained individually. We must sit together and find solutions. We have celebrated Ranveer’s stardom, but accountability is equally important.”
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta criticised the move on X, writing: “When an A-list hero shoots, there are more than 300 workers working on sets. Ban him, and you are not stopping him, but depriving the workers of their livelihood. What sense does it even make?”
Ranveer Singh’s Response
Soon after the FWICE issued the NCD, Ranveer Singh’s team issued a statement: “Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for everyone associated with the Don franchise. Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect. While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead.”
The statement further added: “He continues to hold deep respect and goodwill for all those involved and sincerely wishes the franchise continued success. Choosing restraint and grace in moments like these has always been a conscious decision on his part, and he will continue to maintain the same stance.”
