The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following his reported departure from Don 3, escalating the ongoing dispute surrounding the highly anticipated project.

The decision was announced during a press briefing where FWICE representatives explained that the matter began earlier this year after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar formally approached the federation with complaints regarding the actor’s exit from the film.

According to FWICE Chief Advisor Ashok Pandit, the complaint was submitted on April 11. The producers allegedly informed the federation that the actor withdrew from the project only weeks before the scheduled commencement of major shooting activities, creating operational and financial complications for the production team.

As part of its review process, FWICE invited the film’s producers to present their side. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly attended the discussions in person, while Farhan Akhtar joined remotely from London. Federation officials stated that the producers shared detailed accounts regarding the timeline of events and the impact of the actor’s sudden departure.

Pandit said the federation also attempted multiple times to contact Ranveer Singh to hear his explanation before making any decision. According to FWICE, several notices and reminders were sent over the course of weeks, but the actor allegedly did not appear before the body.

The federation claimed that only after the announcement of the press conference did Ranveer Singh’s representatives send a response questioning FWICE’s authority to intervene in the matter.

FWICE President B.N. Tiwari stated that the issue extended beyond a contractual disagreement and affected the livelihoods of thousands of workers connected to film productions. He noted that delays or cancellations of major projects directly impact technicians, daily wage earners, junior artists, and several behind-the-scenes workers dependent on ongoing shoots.

Tiwari further emphasised that no individual, regardless of celebrity status, should be considered above industry rules and professional commitments.

Following internal discussions, the federation officially announced that its affiliated members and worker unions would not cooperate professionally with Ranveer Singh until the issue is resolved.

The controversy has now intensified debate within the film industry over professional accountability, contractual obligations, and the growing role of industry bodies in mediating disputes between actors and producers.