Farhan vs Ranveer: Panel Bars Dhurandhar Star

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken serious cognizance of the complaint forwarded to it by the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) concerning actor Mr. Ranveer Singh's alleged last-minute withdrawal from the film project Don 3.

The complaint was filed by filmmaker Mr. Farhan Akhtar before IFTA on 11th April 2026, following which the matter was officially referred to FWICE for further course of action and appropriate intervention. In accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice, FWICE convened meetings to hear the matter from all concerned parties. Mr. Farhan Akhtar, along with the producer of the film.

During the proceedings, Mr. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani informed FWICE that they have already incurred approximately Rs. 45 crores towards the pre-production of the film. He expressed grave concern that the sudden withdrawal of such a leading actor from the project at an advanced stage could expose the producer to severe financial losses and adversely affect the overall execution of the film.

Mr. Akhtar further stated that, as the director of the project, he had blocked and committed his professional schedule considering the magnitude and scale of the film, especially with a prominent star attached to it. He strongly submitted that such abrupt withdrawal from a committed project is highly unacceptable, contrary to industry ethics, and against longstanding professional norms followed within the film fraternity.

After hearing the complainant's side, FWICE issued multiple communications to Mr. Ranveer Singh requesting him to personally appear before the Federation and present his version of events so that the matter could be examined carefully and a fair, balanced, and just resolution could be arrived at.

FWICE issued multiple communications to Mr. Ranveer Singh, including the First Reminder dated 22nd April 2026, the Second Reminder dated 30th April 2026, and the Third Reminder dated 13th May 2026.

Subsequently, FWICE received a response directly on behalf of Mr. Ranveer Singh in reply to the above communications. In his response, Mr. Ranveer Singh stated that FWICE would not be the appropriate forum for the complainants to raise their grievances and further stated that the issues raised were contractual in nature and would require adjudication before the appropriate legal forum. FWICE has taken serious note of the said response received from Mr. Ranveer Singh.

Considering the conduct displayed towards the Federation and the stakeholders associated with the project, the office bearers of FWICE have resolved to issue a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against Mr. Ranveer Singh. FWICE remains open to Meeting with Mr. Ranveer Singh to hear his side of the matter and to take the issue forward towards arriving at an amicable and final resolution in the interest of

both parties.

FWICE firmly believes that the entire film industry functions as one extended family, where every individual associated with different crafts and departments contributes collectively towards the successful creation of a project. The Federation considers all artists, technicians, workers, producers, directors, and members from every craft as part of one family bound together by mutual trust, professional commitments, respect, and collective responsibility.

FWICE further believes that sudden exits from projects by senior and established actors at crucial stages pose a serious threat to the stability and working ecology of the entertainment industry.

FWICE therefore appeals to all producers, producers' associations, and industry bodies to stand united with the Federation in discouraging and eliminating such unprofessional practices in the larger interest of the Indian film and television industry and all its stakeholders.