Actor Ranveer Singh has issued an official statement after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) imposed a non-cooperation directive against him amid the ongoing Don 3 controversy. The development comes after the film body officially announced its decision during a press conference on Monday following Singh’s abrupt exit from Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated film.

The FWICE has effectively banned Singh from collaborating with members of the organisation until the dispute is resolved. The federation has also backed the producers’ demand for reimbursement of alleged pre-production losses amounting to Rs 45 crore.

“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 read.

The actor further wished the best to the team of the Don franchise, and maintained that he will not discuss the matter in the media. “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,” the statement further read.

Ranveer Singh faces a ban

The controversy began after reports claimed that Singh walked out of Don 3 shortly before the film was set to begin shooting. The dispute later reached the Producers Guild of India, where senior producers reportedly attempted to mediate the situation between the actor and Excel Entertainment, the production banner led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

According to FWICE, Excel Entertainment had filed a complaint in April this year, stating that Singh had signed a three-film contract with the banner. The producers also sought compensation for heavy pre-production expenses incurred before the actor’s exit.

The film body, while criticising last-minute exits by actors, said in its official statement, “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,” the statement added.

Ranveer refused to discuss matter with FWICE

FWICE also claimed that when it attempted to mediate the matter, Ranveer refused to discuss the issue with the federation, saying that the matter required an “appropriate” forum instead. However, the organisation has maintained that it remains open to further discussions to reach an amicable resolution.

FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit had earlier called the matter “very serious” and warned against actors walking out of projects close to production schedules. Speaking to Bombay Times, Pandit had said, “It’s a very serious matter, and this trend is very wrong. You can’t withdraw from a project 10 days before the shoot starts. We are having an internal meeting first, and then we are taking a call.”

When asked which way the decision could go, he said, “We will do something which is justified now. We will not allow the industry to be doomed here. Tomorrow, anybody can walk out of the movie. Whatever we will do, we will do it in the interest of the industry.”

Don 3 in limbo for 3 years

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Don 3 has remained under intense public scrutiny ever since it was announced in 2023. The film has already witnessed delays and casting changes, with Kiara Advani previously associated with the project before reports suggested the collaboration did not move forward.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh was last seen in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which emerged as a massive box office success and rewrote Singh’s history in Indian cinema – making him the star of the biggest film in India. The actor is now reportedly focusing on his upcoming zombie thriller Pralay, which will also mark his debut as a producer.