Ranveer Singh Addresses Don 3 Dispute Amid FWICE Directive

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has issued a statement following the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announcement of a non-cooperation directive, stemming from his alleged exit from the eagerly awaited film Don 3. This situation has swiftly become a focal point in Indian cinema, sparking discussions on contract obligations and professional ethics in Bollywood.

On May 25, 2026, FWICE declared that Singh had failed to respond to their summons despite several notices. The federation attempted to mediate before arriving at this conclusion, which emerged after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar lodged a complaint concerning Ranveer’s withdrawal.

Ranveer's spokesperson released a statement asserting the actor’s regard for the film industry and everyone involved in the Don franchise. The actor opted not to publicly address the issue initially, advocating for a dignified resolution to professional matters without engaging in public disputes.

The statement highlighted that Ranveer chose to refrain from fueling speculation and controversy, focusing instead on his current projects while maintaining a positive relationship with those associated with Don 3. His team reiterated the actor's best wishes for the franchise, despite the ongoing tensions.

During a press conference, FWICE Chief Advisor Ashok Pandit elaborated that the timeline of the complaint dated back to April 11, when Akhtar sought federation intervention. The producers claimed that Singh’s withdrawal happened right before the filming was set to commence, significantly disrupting logistical and financial planning associated with the film.

Both producers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, attended meetings to discuss their issues with the federation. While Ritesh was present, Farhan joined remotely from London to outline the circumstances. FWICE officials shared that they had repeatedly requested Singh to participate in meetings, without receiving any formal communication from him.

Ashok Pandit mentioned that Ranveer's legal team raised questions about the federation's authority right before the press conference, leading to the committee's decision to issue the directive due to the actor’s absence.

FWICE President BN Tiwari indicated that the situation impacts a larger network, affecting many technicians, junior artists, and crew who rely on stable projects. He reiterated that no one, regardless of their fame, is above accountability within the industry.

This incident has reignited conversations surrounding the responsibilities of stars in Bollywood, which could shape future contracts and relationships between artists and producers. As of now, neither the creators of Don 3 nor Ranveer Singh have made any official declarations about potential legal actions related to the matter.