The controversy surrounding the upcoming film "Dawn 3" has intensified, with actor Sunil Shetty publicly expressing his support for Ranveer Singh amid
reports of the latter's exit from the project. The situation escalated after claims emerged that Singh had stepped away from the film, leading to disputes between him and the production team. This incident has sparked a broader discussion within the film industry regarding actors' commitments and creative decisions.
In an interview with Navika Kumar, editor-in-chief of the Times Group, Shetty firmly defended Singh, asserting that no one has the authority to ban an artist or their work. He emphasized, "Nobody can ban an actor. Nobody can ban art. Nobody has the right to." Shetty expressed confidence that the issues could be resolved through dialogue, highlighting the sensibility of both Singh and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. He stated, "If they sit together, it will definitely be resolved. Knowing Farhan and knowing Ranveer, if they sit together, they can create magic."
The controversy began when reports indicated that Singh had concerns regarding the script, budget changes, and Akhtar's availability due to other commitments, leading to his reported exit shortly before production was set to commence. Singh was announced as the new lead of the franchise in 2023, replacing Shah Rukh Khan. Following his exit, Excel Entertainment sought approximately 45 crore rupees in compensation for pre-production losses, including location scouting and test shoots. Although Singh offered to settle the matter by paying immediate compensation and agreeing to work on a future project at a reduced fee, this proposal was reportedly rejected.
The dispute escalated to the Federation of Western India Cinema Employees (FWICE), which issued a non-cooperation directive against Singh after receiving a complaint from Akhtar. Singh's legal team contested the directive, arguing that the federation lacked the authority to impose such a ban. After mediation by the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), FWICE withdrew the non-cooperation order in early June. As the "Dawn 3" controversy continues to unfold, Shetty's advocacy for open communication and his strong support for Singh contribute a significant perspective to the ongoing debate within the film industry.
