The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Wednesday withdrew its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following a legal notice sent by the actor over the controversy surrounding his exit from Don 3.
FWICE president BN Tiwari said the decision was taken after intervention by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, the Producers Guild of India and the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association.
He said all stakeholders had agreed to discuss the matter together and find a solution that protects the interests of both filmmakers and actors.
The non-cooperation directive had been issued on May 25 after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly complained about Singh’s departure from the project.
The complaint was routed through the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association and later taken up by FWICE.
According to reports, Don 3 has been in development for nearly three years, with producers claiming that over Rs 45 crore had already been spent on pre-production.
FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit said Singh’s legal notice was received on Tuesday and urged all parties to resolve the dispute amicably.
Pandit clarified that FWICE had not imposed a ban on the actor, stressing that the organisation lacks the authority to do so. He said the directive merely advised members on whether they wished to work with a particular individual.
Singh has not personally commented on the controversy, but his team said he continues to hold “deep respect and goodwill” for everyone involved and prefers to handle professional disagreements with dignity and mutual respect.
Several industry figures, including Ram Gopal Varma, Sanjay Gupta and Kangana Ranaut, have expressed support for the actor.
Producers guild criticises unprofessional conduct
The Producers Guild of India has criticised industry professionals who back out of commitments at the last moment, saying such actions cause significant financial losses and damage the credibility of film projects.
In a statement, the Guild said it had received formal complaints from Excel Entertainment and Panorama Studios regarding talent, directors and technicians withdrawing from projects shortly before filming begins.
While not naming anyone directly, the statement comes amid controversy over actor Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from Don 3.
The Guild said such conduct undermines trust, professionalism and mutual respect within the industry, while also causing reputational damage and affecting the livelihoods of hundreds of technicians and crew members dependent on film projects.
The body reiterated its support for a fair and collaborative working environment and urged all parties involved in disputes to seek amicable solutions.
The controversy follows complaints by filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, who reportedly claimed losses of around Rs 45 crore in pre-production expenses for Don 3. (Agencies)
