Ranveer Singh faces a Non-Cooperation Directive from FWICE after allegedly quitting Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 at the last minute, with Excel Entertainment claiming losses of about ₹45 crore. FWICE says Singh ignored repeated summons and questioned its jurisdiction, while still keeping the door open for talks. Singh’s camp stresses his respect for the franchise and focus on future work.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Monday evening officially issued a "Non-Cooperation Directive" against actor Ranveer Singh, following his alleged last-minute withdrawal from filmmaker Farhan Akhtar's highly anticipated Don 3.
After the actor's much-publicised walkout from the project, Akhtar's Excel Entertainment approached The Producers Guild of India, claiming that Singh’s eleventh-hour exit resulted in losses of approximately ₹40 crore.
The actor, reportedly, accused the company of “unprofessionalism” and claimed that Akhtar focused on other commitments instead of Don 3. It was further claimed that the actor was only re-approached to build on the success of Dhurandhar.
At a press conference held in Mumbai, the FWICE stated it has taken "serious cognizance" of the dispute, which escalated after a complaint was forwarded to it by the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA). Akhtar had initially filed the grievance before IFTDA on April 11, following which the matter was formally referred to the FWICE for appropriate intervention and further course of action.
The FWICE subsequently convened meetings to hear the matter from all concerned parties. During the proceedings, Akhtar and his producing partner Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment informed the body that they had already incurred approximately ₹45 crores strictly toward the pre-production logistics of the film.
"He (Akhtar) expressed grave concern that the sudden withdrawal of such a leading actor from the project at an advanced stage could expose the producer to severe financial losses and adversely affect the overall execution of the film. Akhtar further stated that, as the director of the project, he had blocked and committed his professional schedule considering the magnitude and scale of the film, especially with a prominent star attached to it," a detailed press release from FWICE stated.
According to the film body, Akhtar asserted that such an "abrupt withdrawal" from a committed project was highly unacceptable and stood in direct contradiction to "industry ethics, and longstanding professional norms."
Before passing the directive, the FWICE issued multiple communications to Singh, requesting him to personally appear before the federation and present his version of events.
While Singh did not appear before the association, the FWICE noted that the actor sent an official response disputing their jurisdiction.
According to the body, Singh stated that "FWICE would not be the appropriate forum for the complainants to raise their grievances," further asserting that the issues raised were strictly contractual in nature and required adjudication before an appropriate legal forum.
"FWICE has taken serious note of the said response received from Ranveer Singh. Considering the conduct displayed towards the Federation and the stakeholders associated with the project, the office bearers of FWICE have resolved to issue a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against Ranveer Singh."
Despite the freeze, the press release noted that the FWICE remains open to meeting with Singh to hear his side and arrive at an amicable resolution in the interest of both parties.
The association concluded with an appeal to the wider fraternity to maintain industry discipline. "FWICE therefore appeals to all producers, producers' associations, and industry bodies to stand united with the Federation in discouraging and eliminating such unprofessional practices in the larger interest of the Indian film and television industry and all its stakeholders."
After FWICE's Non-Cooperation Directive, Singh’s official spokesperson shared that the actor 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."
According to the spokesperson, Singh 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."