Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has banned Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. This decision was taken on Monday evening after the complaint of actor-director Farhan Akhtar. This matter came to light when Ranveer Singh suddenly decided to walk out of Farhan’s film ‘Don 3’ after the success of his previous film ‘Dhurandhar’. After this Farhan lodged a complaint in FWICE in this matter.
Farhan told that when Ranveer decided to leave the project, the pre-production work of the film had already started. It is being said that due to his leaving the project, the filmmakers have suffered a financial loss of ₹45 crore. Federation President V.N. Tiwari told that attempts were made to contact Ranveer thrice in this matter, but he did not respond. Due to this, FWICE has issued a “non-cooperation direction” (a notice under which members cannot work with him) against Ranveer Singh.
**Three reminders sent to Ranveer**
FWICE President said that the federation had sent reminders to Ranveer on 22 April, 30 April and 13 May 2026. Ranveer Singh responded that FWICE is not the right forum to resolve the issues raised by complainants. According to the actor, this entire matter is related to the terms and conditions of the contract, hence it should be resolved through proper legal means or court only.
**Farhan had announced *Don 3* in 2023**
Farhan Akhtar had announced the film *Don 3* in 2023, in which actor Ranveer Singh was cast. It was to be the third film in the franchise, after the Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Don’ (released in 2006) and ‘Don 2’ (released in 2011). At the time of announcement, Kiara Advani was cast in the film. However, due to pregnancy and subsequent maternity leave, Kiara left the project, after which reports started coming that Kriti Sanon was being considered for this role. Farhan Akhtar was producing this film under the banner of his home production company ‘Excel Entertainment’. To give priority to Don 3, Farhan had also postponed his second directorial project, Jee Le Zaara. When the film got delayed, Ranveer Singh was busy with Dhurendhar. Initially, reports said that the shooting of Don 3 will begin in 2025; However, Ranveer Singh suddenly left the project. The filmmakers alleged that Ranveer was interfering with the script, particularly demanding the inclusion of abuses and violent scenes – demands which the filmmakers refused to accede to. A report in *Mid-Day* claimed that Ranveer had indeed walked out of the film and would soon return the signing fee he had received, although the filmmakers had already spent a lot on pre-production, delays and script changes. In response, Farhan Akhtar filed a complaint with the Producers Guild, demanding damages of ₹45 crore. He argued that he had suffered significant financial losses due to changes in the pre-production process and shooting schedule.
After this, Aamir Khan tried to resolve the dispute, but his efforts proved futile. The Producers Guild gave both parties an opportunity to reach a mutually agreed settlement; However, no solution could be found.
Ranveer Singh’s team breaks silence: “He has deliberately decided to remain silent”
Ranveer Singh’s spokesperson said: “Ranveer Singh has deep and genuine respect for the film industry and everyone associated with the ‘Don’ franchise. Regarding the recent developments related to *Don 3*, he has deliberately decided to remain silent as he feels this is the best course of action. He strongly believes that professional matters and personal relationships should always be resolved with dignity, understanding and mutual respect.”
“Meanwhile, various stories and rumors have surfaced; however, Ranveer has never felt the need to publicly clarify or fuel such speculations. His entire focus is on his work and upcoming projects.”
“He has the utmost respect for everyone involved with this film and sincerely hopes that this franchise achieves great success in the future.” “It has always been his personal preference to remain calm and dignified even in such difficult times, and he intends to maintain this attitude going forward.”
**Now, let’s understand: What is FWICE?** What will be the impact of this ban on Ranveer?**
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is the largest organization dedicated to protecting the interests of workers and artistes in the film industry. It was established in 1956 and officially registered in 1958.
**Mother Body:** This federation primarily functions as a “Mother Body” (supreme body). A total of 34 different organizations come under its purview.
**Membership:** It has approximately 400,000 to 500,000 members associated with these 34 associations – including actors, directors, producers, cinematographers, technicians, junior artistes and spot boys.
**Scope:** It is the largest film federation in Asia. At present, about 90 percent of the people working in the film industry are members of the associations associated with this federation. It has its own constitution, which is mandatory for all members to follow.
**If the federation stops working, the shooting of the film stops**
FWICE regulates the working environment in the film industry. The Federation has a lot of power.
**Stopping work:** If the federation orders its 400,000 to 500,000 members to stop work on a particular project, then the shooting of films and TV shows will completely stop from the very next day.
**Recovery of Payments:** The Federation mediates and resolves disputes over money between film producers and artistes. For example, some time ago, producer Firoz Nadiadwala was unable to pay around ₹3 crore to the crew members after the completion of the film. Due to this, the federation instructed all its members not to work before the shooting of their next film, *Welcome to the Jungle*, began. Coming under pressure from both the production company and the federation, Firoz Nadiadwala eventually had to pay the dues.
**Disciplinary Powers:** The Federation has the right to declare any organization or any member as “non-member” in case of violation of its Constitution.