Ranveer Singh BANNED by FWICE amid Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 3' row: 'Very serious matter, You can't..'

Reports of tension between actor Ranveer Singh and the makers of Don 3 have now escalated, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees officially announcing a non cooperation order against the actor. The decision was made public on Monday following an internal discussion held by the federation last week.

According to the federation, members of the film industry have been advised not to collaborate with Ranveer Singh after his reported last minute departure from the much anticipated project backed by Excel Entertainment.

The controversy began after reports surfaced claiming that Singh exited the film directed by Farhan Akhtar only days before production was expected to begin. The development sparked concern within industry circles, prompting FWICE to step in and review the matter.

FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit described the issue as a serious one and expressed concern over actors leaving projects at such a late stage. Speaking earlier on the matter, he stated, "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."

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

- Ashoke Pandit

The disagreement reportedly involves Excel Entertainment founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, who are said to have invested significantly in pre production work before the actor's exit. Industry insiders claim attempts were made to resolve the matter through discussions led by the Producers Guild of India, though no final settlement was reached.

Ahead of the federation's final decision, key office bearers including FWICE President BN Tiwari, Ashoke Pandit, Honorary General Secretary Ashok Dubey, and Treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav were expected to participate in a crucial internal meeting.

Pandit had also commented on the wider impact such incidents could have on the industry, saying, "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."

Farhan Akhtar later addressed the uncertainty surrounding the film during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India. Reflecting on the challenges faced over the past few years, he said, "A lot has happened over the last couple of years. You learn to expect the unexpected. Nothing can be taken for granted till you actually have it on film."

Farhan Akhtar last directed Don 2 in 2011, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Boman Irani in prominent roles.