Ranveer Singh, one of India's biggest film stars, is facing an industry-wide boycott after withdrawing from the long-delayed film Don 3. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a Mumbai-based trade union representing over 500,000 workers, announced on Monday that its members will not work on projects involving Singh until he meets the organisation to resolve the dispute.
FWICE president BN Tiwari said at a press conference: 'We've decided to send a message to the industry that a superstar is not bigger than the law.' General secretary Ashok Dubey added: 'None of our sitting workers across India – including technicians, spotboys, etc – will work with Ranveer Singh.'
The conflict centres on Singh's abrupt departure from Don 3, the third instalment in a beloved Hindi film franchise. Singh had been announced as the successor to Shah Rukh Khan in 2023. FWICE chief adviser Ashoke Pandit said director Farhan Akhtar approached the organisation on 11 April after Singh allegedly exited the film three weeks before overseas shooting was due to begin.
Pandit stated that Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment presented audited pre-production costs, including hotel bookings, location bookings and overseas travel for over 200 workers. Excel Entertainment is seeking damages of Rs 450 million (£3.49 million) from Singh, according to FWICE.
Singh responded through a spokesperson on Monday evening, saying he holds 'the highest regard for the film fraternity' and that 'professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect.' The statement added that Singh had chosen to maintain silence and focus on his work.
The dispute has been building for months, with reports of script disagreements and casting uncertainty. In February, the Producers Guild of India held meetings after Excel alleged massive losses from Singh's withdrawal. Singh had reportedly argued that the production lacked a bound script and accused Akhtar of prioritising other commitments.
