Mumbai: Actor Ranveer Singh has issued an official statement after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) imposed a non-cooperation directive against him over his exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3.
FWICE announced the ban at a press conference on Monday, effectively barring Singh from working with federation members until the dispute is resolved. The body has also backed Excel Entertainment’s demand for reimbursement of alleged pre-production losses of Rs 45 crore.
What Ranveer’s statement said
Singh’s spokesperson said the actor had deliberately chosen to stay silent throughout the controversy. His official 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.”
The statement added that Singh would not be engaging with media on the matter. “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,” it read.
How the dispute escalated
The controversy began after reports emerged that Singh walked out of Don 3 shortly before shooting was set to begin. The matter was taken to the Producers Guild of India, where senior producers attempted to mediate between Singh and Excel Entertainment, the banner run by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
FWICE said Excel Entertainment had filed a complaint in April, stating that Singh had signed a three-film contract with the banner. When the federation attempted to mediate, Singh declined to engage with it, saying the matter required an “appropriate” forum.
FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit described the situation as serious. “You can’t withdraw from a project 10 days before the shoot starts. We will not allow the industry to be doomed here. Tomorrow, anybody can walk out of a movie,” he told Bombay Times.
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In its official statement, FWICE said sudden exits by established actors at crucial stages “pose a serious threat to the stability and working ecology of the entertainment industry,” while adding that it remains open to further discussions for an amicable resolution.
Don 3’s troubled timeline
Don 3 has been in development since 2023 and has seen repeated delays and casting changes. Kiara Advani was previously linked to the project before reports indicated that association did not proceed.
Ranveer Singh was last seen in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which became a major box office success. He is now reportedly focused on his upcoming zombie thriller Pralay, which will also mark his debut as a producer.
