The high-profile dispute surrounding Don 3 took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) officially withdrew its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following intervention from key industry bodies and a legal notice from the actor.
The decision marks a significant development in the controversy that erupted after allegations that Ranveer’s exit from Don 3 caused substantial financial losses to the film’s producers.
FWICE Steps Back
Speaking to reporters, FWICE President B.N. Tiwari confirmed that the federation had revoked its directive with immediate effect.
“We are taking back our non-cooperative directive after a request from IMPAA, the Producers Guild and CINTAA. We have been advised to sit together and find a solution where neither producers, directors nor the actor face any issues,” Tiwari said.
He stressed that the matter should not be viewed as a victory or defeat for any party.
“No one has won or lost in this matter. Our legal department will respond to the notice sent by Ranveer Singh,” he added.
How the Don 3 Controversy Began
The dispute traces back to reports that Ranveer Singh stepped away from Don 3, a project announced in 2023 with filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment.
According to industry sources, tensions surfaced after the actor allegedly exited the project following the success of Dhurandhar. Last month, Farhan Akhtar reportedly approached FWICE, claiming that Ranveer’s withdrawal had caused financial losses of nearly ₹45 crore.
Based on those complaints, FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor on May 25, triggering widespread debate across the film industry.
Ranveer Singh Responds
Ranveer Singh largely remained silent throughout the controversy before sending a legal notice to FWICE earlier this week.
His spokesperson issued a statement emphasising the actor’s respect for the film fraternity and everyone associated with the Don franchise.
The statement noted that Ranveer chose not to engage publicly because he believed professional disagreements should be handled with “dignity, maturity and mutual respect.”
The contents of the legal notice have not been disclosed publicly, but industry observers believe it played a key role in prompting fresh discussions between stakeholders.
Producers Guild Calls for Resolution
The Producers Guild of India also stepped in, urging all parties to resolve the matter through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The intervention by the Producers Guild, IMPAA and CINTAA appears to have paved the way for a more conciliatory approach, ultimately leading to FWICE’s decision to withdraw its directive.
