Ranveer Singh vs Farhan Akhtar Don 3 controversy: Can Bollywood unions ban a superstar?

Can a Bollywood union actually stop a superstar from working? That question is now at the centre of the growing controversy around Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and the troubled journey of Don 3.

The row exploded after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following his reported exit from Don 3. The federation’s move came after complaints from Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment, who allegedly claimed that the actor’s departure caused major financial losses.

The controversy traces back to 2023, when Ranveer Singh was officially announced as the new Don, taking forward a franchise previously led by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. A promotional video was released, script discussions reportedly took place in Ranveer’s presence, and according to FWICE, a three-film agreement had also been signed with Excel Entertainment.

Things changed in late 2025, when reports surfaced that Ranveer was unhappy with script changes and had decided to walk away from the project. Producers allegedly claimed that nearly ₹45 crore had already been spent on pre-production work, including overseas location planning, hotel bookings, travel arrangements and crew mobilisation for around 200 people.

That is when the matter reportedly reached FWICE.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit later claimed that the federation tried contacting Ranveer Singh three times for discussions, but did not receive a response. He also reportedly stated, “A superstar is not bigger than the law.”

FWICE subsequently issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor. Since the federation represents thousands of workers and technicians across more than 30 industry unions, the move triggered speculation over whether Ranveer Singh could effectively be “banned” from Bollywood.

But legally, the situation is more complicated.

FWICE is a trade union body representing workers in the Indian film and television industry. It is not a court, statutory authority or government regulator. Legal experts generally point out that a trade union cannot legally prohibit an actor from working in films.

What FWICE can do is call for collective action. In practical terms, that means technicians, workers or affiliated members may be advised not to collaborate on projects involving the actor. That could create operational challenges for film shoots or advertising campaigns, but it does not amount to a legally enforceable industry-wide ban.

Ranveer Singh’s team, meanwhile, has maintained silence publicly. According to reports, the actor does not want to escalate the matter further or engage in a public back-and-forth over the controversy.

The episode has also reignited a larger debate inside Bollywood: how much power should industry bodies hold over actors, producers and creative disputes, especially at a time when projects involve massive investments, global schedules and franchise-driven expectations.