The controversy surrounding actor Ranveer Singh and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) refuses to die down and has taken a dramatic turn, with the matter now reaching the courts before the two sides decide to patch up.
The dispute began after FWICE, led by advisor Ashoke Pandit, issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following his reported exit from Don 3, directed by Farhan Akhtar and backed by Excel Entertainment. According to FWICE, the producers informed the body that nearly Rs 45 crore had already been spent on the film's pre-production, and the actor's alleged departure could expose the project to substantial financial losses.
Announcing the directive, Pandit had said FWICE members across all crafts would not work on projects featuring the actor. He also urged producers to stand in solidarity against what the organisation described as unprofessional conduct. However, amid criticism from sections of the industry, Pandit later clarified that the move should not be termed a "ban".
According to an NDTV report, Ranveer served a legal notice to FWICE on June 2, days after the body asked its members not to work on any project involving him.
Producers Guild condemns artiste conduct that causes financial losses to producers
Amid the growing controversy, the Producers Guild of India stepped in on June 3 and issued a strongly worded statement. The Guild said it had received formal complaints from Excel Entertainment and Panorama Studios International Limited regarding instances of industry professionals backing out of commitments shortly before principal photography began.
On Wednesday, the body, spearheaded by Shibasish Sarkar, took to its official X handle and shared a statement condemning such conduct.
"There have been growing instances of talent, directors, and technicians, reneging on their commitments to producers, often at the eleventh hour. We, the Producers Guild of India, have also received formal complaints from our members, Excel Entertainment Private Limited and Panorama Studios International Limited regarding these issues coming up just days before the commencement of principal photography. No member of the industry should indulge in such behaviour that has, in these cases, led to substantial financial loss to our member producers as well as to other verticals in the industry," the statement read.
The Guild further said, "Such actions by any industry member have serious and far-reaching consequences and undermine the spirit of trust, professionalism, and mutual respect on which the film industry is built. These instances have caused significant reputational damage, adverse impact on credibility and brand value of the films concerned and jeopardised the livelihoods of hundreds of technicians and crew members who depend on these projects."
At the same time, the organisation stressed the need for a free and fair business environment and called for an amicable resolution to the dispute.
"We would also like to state in no uncertain terms that the Guild always stands for a free and fair business environment without encouraging any encumbrances or disruptions to the process of content production. Any position to the contrary is not ethical and harms the collaborative spirit of our filmmaking community. We urge all parties to resolve their disputes amicably and we will strive to protect the fraternity's interests," it added.
FWICE lifts ban on Ranveer Singh over quitting Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 3'
Hours later, FWICE announced that it was withdrawing its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer with immediate effect. FWICE president BN Tiwari said the decision was taken following requests from IMPPA, the Producers Guild and CINTAA.
Speaking to reporters, FWICE president BN Tiwari said that an appropriate decision where neither the producers and directors nor the actors face any issues.
Tiwari said, "We are taking back our non cooperative directive from immediate effect after a request by IMPAA, the producers' guild and CINTAA. We have been told that we should all sit together with the producers' body and take an appropriate decision where neither the producers and directors nor the actor face any issues."
"No one has won or lost in this matter. Our legal department will respond to his legal notice," he added.
What sparked the Don 3 controversy?
Don 3 was officially announced in 2023, with Ranveer Singh unveiled as the new face of the franchise through a teaser released by Excel Entertainment. The film entered pre-production in late 2025 after facing multiple delays.
After Shah Rukh Khan headlined Farhan Akhtar's Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), Ranveer was chosen to lead the third instalment. Reports of a fallout between the actor and the makers surfaced in December 2025, with industry buzz suggesting that Ranveer had stepped away from the project following the success of Dhurandhar.
While Ranveer has not publicly addressed the allegations in detail, his team had shared a note following FWICE's ban.
Ranveer Singh's official spokesperson, without directly addressing the allegations, maintained a measured stance.
"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," the statement said.
Meanwhile, several celebs have come out in support of Ranveer Singh. Kangana Ranaut has come in support of Ranveer Singh and mentioned that she has also been banned several times.
