Ranveer Singh Faces Industry Backlash Over ‘Don 3’ Exit as Farhan Akhtar Opens Up on Fallout

The controversy surrounding actor Ranveer Singh and his sudden departure from the much-awaited film Don 3 has intensified, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a non-cooperation directive against the actor.

The film workers’ body accused Ranveer of walking out of the project abruptly and refusing to personally engage with the organisation despite multiple requests.

Addressing the media in Mumbai, FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit said the issue began after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar formally lodged a complaint with the federation on April 11.

According to Pandit, Ranveer allegedly exited the project just weeks before the shooting schedule was set to begin, leaving the production in turmoil.

FWICE subsequently invited Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment to explain the circumstances behind the dispute.

While Sidhwani attended the meeting in person, Farhan joined remotely from London through a Zoom call.

During the session, the producers reportedly presented detailed documentation of the pre-production expenses already incurred for the film.

According to FWICE, the production house submitted audited records showing nearly ₹45 crore spent on preparations for the film, including overseas travel arrangements, hotel reservations, location bookings, and logistical planning for more than 200 crew members.

Pandit claimed all expenditures were officially documented and verified.

FWICE further stated that Ranveer had signed a three-film agreement with Excel Entertainment and had been actively involved in the film’s development process from the beginning.

The actor allegedly participated in script discussions, location recce sessions, and even shot a promotional announcement video for the film before his exit.

As part of its internal process, FWICE invited Ranveer Singh to personally present his side of the matter. However, the organisation claimed that despite sending three reminders over several weeks, the actor did not respond.

Eventually, on May 23, Ranveer’s secretary reportedly informed the federation via email that FWICE did not have jurisdiction over the matter and therefore could not compel the actor to appear. The secretary also offered to meet the body on Ranveer’s behalf.

FWICE members strongly objected to the response. Ashoke Pandit said the federation considered the actor’s refusal disrespectful, particularly because the organisation represents workers and technicians across the entertainment industry.

He stressed that the action against Ranveer was intended to protect the interests of producers as well as thousands of industry workers affected by sudden production disruptions.

FWICE president BN Tiwari said the organisation wanted to send a message that no actor, regardless of stardom, is above industry norms and accountability.

He announced that the non-cooperation directive would remain in place until Ranveer agrees to meet FWICE representatives personally.

FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey added that technicians, spot boys, workers, and other affiliated members across India would refrain from working on Ranveer Singh’s projects until the matter is resolved.

The organisation also appealed to producer bodies to support the move, arguing that abrupt exits from films cause financial damage and disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of workers connected to productions.

Pandit also revealed that several prominent industry figures, including Aamir Khan, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and Shibashish Sarkar, attempted to mediate between the parties, but discussions failed to produce a resolution.

The federation warned that the directive could significantly impact Ranveer’s future work, including advertising shoots, because technicians, vanity van suppliers, and support staff associated with FWICE form the backbone of most productions.

Commenting on Ranveer’s upcoming zombie thriller Pralay, backed by Hansal Mehta and Applause Entertainment, Pandit said producers moving ahead with projects involving the actor would do so at their own risk.

Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar has now publicly addressed the controversy and admitted that the situation surrounding Don 3 became “messy.” Speaking to

The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan reflected on the unpredictability of filmmaking and said the episode reinforced an important lesson — nothing should be taken for granted until a film actually goes on floors.

Farhan recalled how fortunate he had been at the start of his career when actors like Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, and

Dimple Kapadia immediately agreed to work in his debut directorial venture Dil Chahta Hai. However, he said the years since have taught him that setbacks and uncertainties are an unavoidable part of the film industry.

The filmmaker also reflected on the disappointment he experienced after the commercial failure of Lakshya, starring Hrithik Roshan.

Farhan admitted that the film’s poor box-office performance deeply affected him at the time and made him question his own creative journey. Looking back now, he believes those difficult experiences helped him process recent professional setbacks more maturely.

Farhan further observed that the film industry constantly changes, with careers rising and falling unexpectedly. Being the son of celebrated writers Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, he said he had grown up witnessing the unpredictable nature of stardom and success.

The director also addressed the long-standing delays surrounding Jee Le Zaraa, featuring Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt.

Farhan admitted that recurring roadblocks sometimes make him consider focusing solely on acting rather than directing large-scale productions.

Despite the turbulence surrounding Don 3 and Jee Le Zaraa, Farhan maintained that he still believes strongly in both stories and hopes the right creative collaborations will eventually come together.

He also hinted that casting changes are not uncommon in the industry and sometimes lead to unexpectedly successful outcomes.

Recalling the making of Dil Chahta Hai, Farhan shared that Aamir Khan had originally been considered for a different role before eventually choosing to play Akash, which resulted in Akshaye Khanna taking on the character of Siddharth — a decision that later became iconic for the film.

Farhan also pointed to his own acting career as proof that unexpected opportunities can reshape lives. He mentioned how he landed the lead role in Luck By Chance, directed by his sister Zoya Akhtar, after several established actors had turned down the project.

Three years ago, Farhan officially announced Don 3 as the next chapter in the iconic franchise, with Ranveer Singh replacing Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

However, after extensive pre-production work and mounting anticipation, reports emerged earlier this year suggesting that Ranveer was no longer associated with the film, particularly after the success of Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar.

While mediation efforts by industry groups, including the Producers Guild of India, are still ongoing, Farhan appears to have shifted his focus to other projects.

Among them is his upcoming role as legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar in filmmaker Sam Mendes’ ambitious series of biographical films based on The Beatles.