Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has expressed his concerns regarding the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) decision to issue a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh. This action follows Singh’s unexpected departure from the film Don 3. Gupta, utilising his platform on X, highlighted the broader implications of such decisions, suggesting they adversely affect the workers behind the scenes rather than the celebrities in front of the cameras.

On May 22, 2026, Gupta remarked that more than 300 crew members typically work on set during productions featuring A-list stars. He questioned the logic behind the ban, arguing that it does not impede the actor but rather deprives the crew of their livelihoods. His comments came shortly after FWICE publicly announced their decision during a press conference.

Gupta’s statements reflect a growing concern within the film industry about the cascading effects of such actions, showing solidarity with the workforce that is often overshadowed by the high-profile nature of the stars involved.

Background on the Controversy

The situation escalated after filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani allegedly brought the matter to FWICE’s attention. Reports suggest that the actor’s sudden exit from Don 3, just before filming was set to commence, resulted in financial setbacks amounting to nearly Rs 45 crore in pre-production costs. The federation indicated that Singh had previously entered a three-film contract with the production house, Excel Entertainment.

Following this incident, FWICE issued several notices to Singh, requesting his response. However, according to FWICE President Ashoke Pandit, the actor only responded after the federation announced its press conference. Singh’s communication emphasised that he believed FWICE was not the appropriate forum for resolving contractual disputes, which further complicated the situation.

Consequently, the federation enforced a ban that prevents Singh from working with its members until the issue is resolved. FWICE has also aligned with the producers’ request for compensation regarding the stated financial losses due to Singh’s exit.

Ranveer Singh’s Official Statement

In reaction to the FWICE’s declaration, Ranveer Singh released an official statement expressing his respect for the film industry and all those involved with the Don franchise. He articulated that he had consciously opted to remain silent during the ongoing discussions, valuing dignity and mutual respect above all.

The statement noted that Singh holds the film fraternity in high esteem, and he believed that professional matters should be resolved with maturity and dignity. This silence from the actor marked a significant moment amid a turbulent backdrop of public discourse surrounding his departure.

Additionally, it has been reported that this dispute has reached the Producers Guild of India, where senior producers have been facilitating discussions between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution.

The Significance of Don 3

Don 3, which was announced in August 2023, had generated considerable excitement, featuring Ranveer Singh in the titular role, previously portrayed by iconic actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. The anticipation surrounding the project created a heightened interest, making Singh’s exit a focal point of discussions across media platforms.

In defending their position, FWICE underscored the film industry’s collaborative nature, describing it as an “extended family.” They condemned last-minute exits like Singh’s, which can potentially disrupt large-scale productions, thereby affecting numerous jobs within the industry.

This controversy has sparked conversations about the implications of contracts and the responsibilities of actors towards their commitments, emphasising the interconnectedness of the film community.

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