Don 3 controversy: Ranveer Singh reacts after FWICE’s Non-cooperation directive against the actor
The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and Don 3 has taken a serious turn after The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged members of the film industry not to work with the actor. The decision came after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly filed a complaint regarding Singh’s sudden exit from the much-awaited film.
According to reports, the complaint was first submitted to the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), which later referred the matter to FWICE for further action. The federation stated that multiple notices had been sent to Ranveer before issuing the non-cooperation directive.
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Following the development, Ranveer Singh’s spokesperson released an official statement addressing the situation. The statement read:
“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.
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.”
Note: The actor has not personally commented beyond this official response.
While FWICE’s announcement has widely been referred to as a “ban”, the organisation has technically issued a non-cooperation directive. This means the federation has advised its members not to work with Ranveer Singh on ongoing or future projects. FWICE includes several unions connected to the Indian film and television industry, including technicians, junior artists, makeup artists, lightmen, spot boys and production workers. Such directives can create major operational challenges for film productions if widely followed.
According to reports, FWICE claimed it had sent multiple notices to Ranveer Singh before taking the step. The organisation also stated that the actor replied by saying the matter involving contractual obligations was not under FWICE’s jurisdiction and that it was not the “appropriate forum” for the dispute. The federation later held discussions with the media and publicly appealed to the industry to avoid working with the actor.
#WATCH | Mumbai | On FWICE issues, Non-Cooperation Directive against Actor Ranveer singh, Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Ashoke Pandit says, "We received a complaint filed by Farhan Akhtar, who is a member of our Association, against… https://t.co/rMweDQtESa pic.twitter.com/Xea6msJF7q
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2026
The issue reportedly began after Ranveer Singh exited Don 3 unexpectedly. Reports suggested that the move created concerns around financial losses and contractual commitments for the makers. The Don franchise, originally led by Shah Rukh Khan in Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), announced Ranveer Singh as the new lead in 2023. The announcement generated massive buzz among fans and the industry.
However, by late 2025, rumours of tension between Ranveer Singh and the production team started surfacing. Reports claimed the actor stepped away from the project following the success of his film Dhurandhar with director Aditya Dhar. There were also rumours that Hrithik Roshan could replace Ranveer in the film, though those reports were later denied.
FWICE stated that Ranveer Singh was sent several notices before the federation decided to issue a non-cooperation directive. According to the workers’ body, the actor responded by saying that FWICE was not the “appropriate forum” for resolving contractual matters linked to the project. The organisation later addressed the media and publicly urged industry members not to collaborate with the actor until the matter is resolved.
Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Don 3 has remained under constant public attention since its announcement. Apart from delays, the film has also seen several casting-related discussions. Actress Kiara Advani was earlier linked to the project, though reports later suggested the collaboration did not move forward. Despite the controversies, fans continue to remain curious about the future of the franchise and its final cast lineup.
On the work front, Ranveer Singh was last seen in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which reportedly performed exceptionally well at the box office. The actor is now said to be focusing on his upcoming zombie thriller Pralay, which will also mark his debut as a producer.
- PTC PUNJABI