‘Don 3’ Row: FWICE’s Ashoke Pandit Reacts to Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s Casting Dispute, Says ‘This Trend Is Very Wrong’
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has intervened in the 'Don 3' controversy following reports that Ranveer Singh walked out of the Farhan Akhtar-directed film just days before production was scheduled to begin. FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit condemned the sudden exit as a serious threat to the industry's financial stability.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has formally intervened in the growing controversy surrounding the highly anticipated film Don 3. The development follows reports that lead actor Ranveer Singh walked out of the project, backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, just days before production was scheduled to begin. Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of FWICE, has strongly criticised the actor's reported last-minute exit, labelling it a serious threat to the financial and operational stability of the Hindi film industry. ‘Don 3’ Row: Farhan Akhtar Takes Ranveer Singh Dispute to FWICE, Decision Expected To Be Taken Today – Report.
Ashoke Pandit on Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh’s ‘Don 3’ Fiasco
Speaking about the dispute, Ashoke Pandit expressed deep concern over the growing trend of high-profile actors abandoning projects late in the pre-production phase. He confirmed that the federation is treating the Don 3 situation with high priority. "It's a very serious matter, and this trend is very wrong," Pandit told Bombay Times.
"You can't withdraw from a project 10 days before the shoot starts. We are having an internal meeting first, and then we are taking a call." When questioned about the potential course of action the film body might take, Pandit emphasised that FWICE would prioritise the broader welfare of Bollywood's ecosystem over individual star power.
"We will do something which is justified now. We will not allow the industry to be doomed here. Tomorrow, anybody can walk out of the movie. Whatever we will do, we will do it in the interest of the industry," Pandit stated.
Escalating Disputes and Financial Stakes
Before reaching FWICE, the dispute was reportedly brought before the Producers Guild of India, where senior industry figures attempted to mediate a resolution between Excel Entertainment and Ranveer Singh. However, those discussions have yet to yield a definitive settlement. According to sources close to the development, Excel Entertainment raised grievances regarding the substantial financial losses incurred due to the sudden disruption.
The production house had already invested heavily in extensive pre-production work and finalised crucial operational schedules before the actor’s reported exit. Director Farhan Akhtar also subtly addressed the challenges of the project's turbulent timeline during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. ‘Don 3’ Controversy: Ranveer Singh Wanted ‘Strong Language’, ‘Violence’ in Farhan Akhtar’s Film? Here’s What New Reports Claim.
Reflecting on the volatility of modern filmmaking, Akhtar noted, "A lot has happened over the last couple of years. You learn to expect the unexpected. Nothing can be taken for granted till you actually have it on film." he casting of Ranveer Singh as the new face of the franchise had already generated significant public debate and delays before this latest production hurdle.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2026 03:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
