Ranveer Singh, FWICE Face Off in Court Over Don 3 Controversy

The dispute between actor Ranveer Singh and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has entered a legal phase, with the actor serving a legal notice on the film workers’ body following its non-cooperation directive linked to his reported exit from Don 3. The move marks a major escalation in a controversy that has sparked debate across the Hindi film industry.

Ranveer Singh Sends Legal Notice to FWICE Amid Don 3 Dispute

Actor Ranveer Singh has served a legal notice on the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), days after the film workers’ body issued a non-cooperation directive against him in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding Don 3.

FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit confirmed that the federation had received the notice. While the contents of the legal communication have not been made public, the development has intensified a dispute that began over Singh’s reported departure from the Farhan Akhtar-directed franchise film.

The federation has scheduled a press conference to address the matter and discuss the ongoing standoff involving Singh and Excel Entertainment, the production house led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Why FWICE Issued the Directive

The controversy stems from a complaint raised by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani regarding Singh’s alleged withdrawal from Don 3 after substantial work had already been completed on the project.

FWICE stated that the producers informed the organisation that approximately ₹45 crore had been spent on pre-production activities. The federation expressed concern that the actor’s departure at an advanced stage could expose the producers to significant financial losses and disrupt the execution of the film.

Following discussions, FWICE announced a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against Singh. The federation said its affiliated workers and members across various crafts and departments would refrain from working on projects involving the actor.

At a press briefing, Ashoke Pandit said, “None of our workers or members, across all crafts, will work on any of his projects. We have requested that all producers take a stand, join us in solidarity, speak out against this conduct, and make a firm decision.”

After criticism from sections of the industry, Pandit clarified that the action should not be described as a “ban.” He maintained that the federation had issued a directive applicable only to its members and that others remained free to work with the actor.

Ranveer Singh’s Response

Ranveer Singh has not commented publicly on the allegations. However, shortly after FWICE announced the directive, the actor released a statement through his spokesperson.

“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.

The statement added that Singh did not wish to contribute to speculation and remained focused on his professional commitments.

Industry Pushback and Legal Questions

The federation’s action has drawn criticism from some members of the film industry, who questioned both its practicality and potential impact on workers whose livelihoods depend on ongoing productions.

The dispute has also revived discussion about FWICE’s legal authority. In a 2017 ruling arising from a complaint filed by producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the Competition Commission of India held that FWICE could not impose restrictive conditions that effectively compelled producers to engage only with its members. The commission issued a cease-and-desist order against the organisation under provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

Veteran producer and former IMPPA president TP Aggarwal has also challenged FWICE’s action by filing a petition before the Bombay Civil Court in Dindoshi.

How the Don 3 Dispute Developed

Don 3 was announced in 2023, with Ranveer Singh introduced as the new lead of the franchise through a teaser released by Excel Entertainment. The role had previously been portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in earlier versions of the series.

The project faced delays after its announcement and entered pre-production in late 2025. Over time, industry attention shifted from the film’s progress to reports of disagreements surrounding its development.

FWICE has claimed that Singh was involved in script discussions and promotional activities connected to the film before his reported exit. The federation also alleged that extensive pre-production work, including international location recce trips and crew preparations, had already been undertaken.

With legal proceedings now underway and positions hardening on both sides, the future of Don 3 remains uncertain as one of Bollywood’s most closely watched industry disputes continues to unfold.