FWICE issues non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh; says “No superstar is above the rules of the industry”

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against actor Ranveer Singh following his alleged last-minute exit from Don 3. The move comes after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar (director and producer of Don 3, alongside producer Ritesh Sidhwani) approached the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) on April 2, after which the matter was referred to FWICE for intervention. The federation said it had taken serious cognisance of the matter while remaining open to an amicable resolution. Addressing the media at a press conference on Monday, attended by President BN Tiwari, Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit, Honorary General Secretary Ashok Dubey and Treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav, the federation announced that none of its members or allied unions would work with the actor until the matter is resolved.

Detailing the sequence of events, Ashoke Pandit said, “As the head of IFTDA, I referred the matter to FWICE because it is a serious issue and involves significant financial stakes. We wanted all technician bodies/allied unions and associations to be involved because when a project stops, everyone is affected. The reason for Ranveer Singh’s exit was not disclosed, and we did not inquire into it because our primary concern was the timing of the withdrawal.”



Ashoke further revealed that the producers had already incurred substantial costs towards pre-production. “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 of the project. He even shot the promo and remained part of discussions regarding the film after the release of Dhurandhar Part 1. Leaving a film three weeks before the shoot cannot be justified, irrespective of the reason.” He continued, “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 paisa isne ek bhi nahi liya hai.”

‘We invited Ranveer thrice to present his side, but did not get any response’
According to Ashoke, the federation made multiple attempts to reach out to Ranveer before taking a decision. He said, “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.”

‘We’re not saying he can’t work; we’re saying our members will not work with Ranveer for now’
Explaining the federation’s stand, BN Tiwari said, “We have issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer. Ek message jaana chahiye industry ko ki agar koi superstar bhi hai woh kisi niyam se bada nahi hai. 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. Unko pata nahi federation bhi koi cheez hai. We are open to meeting Ranveer directly and not through any representative. Aap bhi hamaari industry ka hissa hain, aasmaan se nahi aaye hain. 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. Spot boy se lekar bouncers tak kaam nahi karenge unke saath. Aaj jo Farhan ke saath hua hai woh kisi aur ke saath bhi ho sakta hai. 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.

‘The industry can only function collectively; it cannot be sustained individually’
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, however, 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 (sic)???”

Background:
After signing for Don 3, Ranveer abruptly walked out in December 2025, only three weeks before the scheduled shooting of the film, leading to audited losses of approximately ₹45 crore for Excel Entertainment. The producers demanded reimbursement for these pre-production expenses. Following a failed mediation attempt, the dispute was elevated to the FWICE. Ranveer reportedly didn’t respond to three formal notices from the federation, with his team arguing that FWICE lacked jurisdiction over his contractual matters. Later, Ranveer’s team agreed to discuss the matter with the film body.

Ranveer Singh’s statement on the FWICE ban:
Soon after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against Ranveer Singh, the actor’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.”