Ranveer Singh sent legal notice before 'Don 3' directive was withdrawn, federation chief says 'not taken back on gunpoint'

• FWICE withdrew its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh.
• The federation denied acting under pressure from a legal notice.
• The dispute is linked to Ranveer’s reported exit from Don 3.
• Farhan Akhtar reportedly claimed financial losses of ₹45 crore.
• Talks are expected to take place to resolve the issue.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has withdrawn its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh, ending a controversy linked to his reported exit from Don 3.

The decision was announced during a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday (3). FWICE president BN Tiwari rejected speculation that the federation reversed its position because of a legal notice sent by Ranveer.

According to Tiwari, FWICE regularly issues non-cooperation notices when members approach the organization with complaints, disputes, or payment-related issues. Once the matter is resolved or moves toward resolution, the notice is withdrawn.

“We look at the industry as one family. We don’t have any issues with anyone. Whenever someone comes to us with an issue, conflict, or non-payment matter, we issue a non-cooperation notice against the conflicted party. And we take the notice back once the issue is resolved. So, we don’t look at it as a defeat or anything. We don’t even regret taking the non-corporative notice back,” Tiwari said.

Tiwari confirmed that Ranveer had sent a legal notice challenging FWICE’s decision and asking the federation to withdraw the directive within 48 hours. However, he said FWICE had already decided to revoke the notice before receiving the actor’s legal communication.

“However, we want to clarify one thing, we haven’t taken the non-cooperation notice back on gunpoint. We got a letter from the Producer Guild and the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) on May 29, and we met with them on May 30. That’s when we took a call on withdrawing the notice,” he said.

Tiwari added, “Agar unko lag raha hai ki unki jeet hai, hum usmein bhi khush hai. Unki jeet mein humari haar nahi jeet hi hai (If they feel it’s their victory, we are happy with that too. Their victory is not our defeat – it is a victory for us as well).”

The controversy began after reports emerged that Ranveer had exited Don 3, a film that was announced in 2023 as the next installment of the popular franchise. The project was set to feature Ranveer in the lead role following Shah Rukh Khan’s performances in Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011).

Reports of disagreements between Ranveer, director Farhan Akhtar, and producer Ritesh Sidhwani surfaced in late 2025. Following the success of Dhurandhar, Ranveer was said to have stepped away from the project, leading to tensions between the parties involved.

Last week, FWICE issued the non-cooperation directive after Farhan Akhtar reportedly approached the federation. According to claims made to FWICE, Ranveer’s departure caused financial losses estimated at ₹45 crore.

In response to the dispute, Ranveer’s spokesperson released a statement emphasizing the actor’s respect for the film industry and the Don franchise.

“Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for everyone associated with the Don franchise. Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect.”

Tiwari also addressed criticism from producer TP Aggarwal, who had accused FWICE of “gundagardi” in the matter.

“Things are getting resolved now, and something good will come out of it. Itne bade gunde bhi nahi hunge phir (We're not such big goons after all),” he said.

According to Tiwari, discussions involving Ranveer, Farhan Akhtar, and the producers are expected to take place soon as all sides work toward a mutually acceptable solution.