‘No superstar bigger than rules’: Film workers’ union refuses to work with Ranveer Singh after Don 3 exit

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Monday, May 25, announced a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following his reported exit from the upcoming film “Don 3”.

The action follows filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani filing a complaint with the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), alleging that Singh withdrew from the project shortly before filming was scheduled to begin. According to PTI, the matter was later referred to FWICE.

FWICE Announces Industry-Wide Non-Cooperation

Addressing a press conference, FWICE honorary general secretary Ashok Dubey said the federation’s members would not work on projects involving the actor until the dispute is resolved.

“We will not work with Ranveer Singh after today, whether it is cameraman, spot boy, lightmen or anyone else from our side. This non-cooperation will continue till the dispute is cleared,” Dubey said.

FWICE president B N Tiwari said the federation’s decision was aimed at sending a message that “no superstar is bigger than rules or the system”.

According to the federation, the directive applies to workers across 38 crafts in the film industry and will also cover advertisement shoots involving Singh.

Producers Claim ₹45 Crore Loss

According to PTI, the producers claim that over ₹45 crore has already been spent on the film’s pre-production, with “Don 3” remaining in development for nearly three years.

FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit said Singh allegedly exited the film around three weeks before the shoot was scheduled to begin.

Speaking about the complaint, Pandit said Akhtar joined the IFTDA meeting virtually from London while Sidhwani attended in person, according to Moneycontrol.

“The complaint very clearly said that three weeks before the unit was to leave for the shoot, Ranveer withdrew from the film and left ‘Don 3’,” Pandit said.

He added that the producers had submitted audited details of the expenses incurred during pre-production.

“Farhan wants ₹45 crore. This amount has been accounted for and audited,” Pandit said, according to Moneycontrol.

FWICE Says Workers’ Jobs Were Impacted

FWICE leaders said the issue also affected the livelihoods of workers associated with large-scale productions.

“When a film is made, thousands of our workers get employed. And when a film is suddenly stopped, their employment gets affected,” Tiwari said, as quoted by Moneycontrol.

Pandit also claimed the federation sent multiple notices to Singh over the matter, but did not initially receive a response. According to him, the actor later sent an email questioning FWICE’s jurisdiction in the dispute.

FWICE said the directive would remain in effect until the issue is resolved and Singh meets the federation. The organisation also stated that it remains open to discussions with all parties involved.

About ‘Don 3’

“Don 3” was expected to mark Farhan Akhtar’s return to direction after Don 2. The earlier films in the franchise starred Shah Rukh Khan, while the original 1978 “Don” featured Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman.

The original film was written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan.

Reports suggest Singh exited the project over script-related concerns and production delays. The actor has not publicly commented on FWICE’s latest directive so far.