Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 controversy just took an unexpected legal turn

The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from Don 3 has now taken a legal turn. Veteran producer TP Aggarwal has reportedly approached the Bombay Civil Court at Dindoshi, challenging the authority of film industry bodies to issue bans and non cooperation directives against members of the entertainment industry.

According to reports, Aggarwal has filed a petition against the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA). The petition questions whether industry organisations have the legal power to prevent members from working with a particular individual.

The move comes amid ongoing discussions over FWICE’s recent non cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh in connection with his dispute involving Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and the much discussed Don 3 project.

As per the petition, directives that discourage professionals from collaborating with a specific person may exceed the scope of authority granted to such associations. The report further stated that court notices have been issued to both FWICE and IMPPA.

Aggarwal is considered one of the senior most figures in the Hindi film industry. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including serving as President of IMPPA for 17 years. He was also elected President of the Film Federation of India on four occasions and currently serves as a patron of both organisations.

Speaking on the broader issue, Aggarwal reportedly said, “The film industry thrives on collaboration, and it is important that matters of this nature are addressed through proper legal and professional channels. Any attempt to discourage people from working with an individual should not be taken lightly. Such actions can have far reaching consequences for livelihoods and creative freedom, and therefore must be dealt with in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner.”

The case is expected to attract attention across the film industry as it raises larger questions about the powers and limitations of trade bodies.

Don 3 was officially announced in 2023 with Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani in lead roles. However, reports later suggested that the project faced multiple delays and that Ranveer had eventually stepped away from the film.

Following the controversy, Ranveer’s spokesperson issued a statement clarifying that the actor did not wish to comment further on the matter.