A blockbuster franchise. A collapsed deal. And now, an industry-wide ban. Ranveer Singh’s exit from ‘Don 3’ has snowballed from a behind-closed-doors creative dispute with Farhan Akhtar into one of Bollywood’s most public professional fallouts in years.
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On Monday, May 25, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a formal non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh in connection with the ‘Don 3’ dispute. The directive urges the Indian film industry not to work with him until the matter is resolved. FWICE announced the directive at a press conference held the same day.
FWICE is the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, a large umbrella body that represents workers across the Hindi film and television industry. The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) is the mother body of FWICE.
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A non-cooperation directive from FWICE means its member unions and workers are collectively asked not to participate in work involving the person named in the directive, until underlying dispute is addressed.
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Excel Entertainment unveiled ‘Don 3’ in August 2023 with Ranveer Singh in the titular role. The project was expected to go on floors in 2026 and was positioned as one of the studio’s biggest bets.
Months later, the collaboration collapsed. Ranveer Singh exited the film, setting off chain reaction that eventually reached the Producers Guild of India.
The disagreement stems from how prepared ‘Don 3’ really was when Ranveer committed to it. Ranveer’s side maintains that the film never reached a stage of creative readiness. According to his camp, there was no locked script even after years of development, and multiple story elements remained unresolved.
He was reportedly unhappy with the absence of a bound script, unresolved storylines, concerns over project management. Additionally, he did not receive an advance and was not compensated for time lost on other shelved projects.
Excel Entertainment disputes this version. Farhan Akhtar has reportedly said that the script was developed and shared in stages and that Ranveer had approved each draft without objection.
From the producers’ perspective, the actor’s sudden exit came after extensive planning and spending.
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani informed FWICE that they had already incurred approximately Rs 45 crore towards the pre-production of the film. They expressed concern that sudden withdrawal of leading actor from the project at advanced stage could expose producer to severe financial losses.
Farhan alleged that Ranveer Singh withdrew from project just three weeks before film’s unit was scheduled to leave for the shoot. According to him, this resulted in financial losses for production house.
The complaint was filed by Farhan Akhtar before IFTDA on April 11, 2026. Following this, the matter was officially referred to FWICE for further course of action.
FWICE issued multiple communications to Ranveer Singh. First reminder was on April 22, 2026. Second was on April 30, 2026, third on May 13, 2026.
FWICE received a response directly on behalf of Ranveer Singh in reply to these communications.
In his response, Ranveer Singh stated that FWICE would not be the appropriate forum for the complainants to raise their grievances and further stated that the issues raised were contractual in nature and would require adjudication before the appropriate legal forum.
The actor’s side reportedly responded that FWICE was not appropriate forum for resolving contractual disputes. They suggested legal channels instead.
FWICE took serious note of the response received from Ranveer Singh. Considering the conduct displayed towards the Federation and the stakeholders associated with the project, the office bearers of FWICE resolved to issue a Non-Cooperation Directive.
In short, the directive was issued not solely because of the Don 3 exit itself, but because Ranveer refused to engage with FWICE’s process after three separate reminders.
Two closed-door meetings were held at the Producers Guild of India. Senior producers and studio heads were present to hear both sides and to consider whether clearer industry guidelines are needed to prevent similar situations in future big-budget films.
Those meetings did not produce a resolution, and the matter moved on to FWICE.
One of the flashpoints is the allegation that Excel explored other casting options, including Hrithik Roshan, before returning to Ranveer after the success of Dhurandhar.
Ranveer’s side views this as a sign of uncertainty and lack of commitment. Excel has not publicly acknowledged this claim.
Aamir Khan denied any involvement in the Ranveer-Farhan Akhtar dispute, after rumours circulated linking him to the situation.
Anyone who is a member of the federation is asked not to work with the actor until the ‘Don 3’ issue is solved.
The directive remains in place unless Ranveer Singh engages with the process or the two sides reach a settlement. No new casting or production timeline for ‘Don 3’ has been announced.
Both parties remain firm on their positions as of May 25, 2026.
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