FWICE Backs Out of Banning Ranveer

Taking sides with producer-director Farhan Akhtar, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a directive, albeit an indirect ban, saying that workers should not co-operate with Ranveer Singh for his next films until the Don 3 issue is solved. While many stated that this ban will have no legal sanctity, the likes of Ram Gopal Varma made it clear that bodies like FWICE can’t sell tickets at the box office, but only Ranveer Singh will do, and only because of his films (or stars like him) that FWICE members will have food every day.

Guess what, reacting to this, even Ranveer Singh’s legal team also sent a notice to FWICE saying that their directive is against the spirit. And now, FWICE has withdrawn its directive officially. And interestingly, the decision came shortly after Ranveer Singh reportedly sent a legal notice challenging the move. The entire controversy began when Don 3 producers claimed that Ranveer’s exit from the project had caused substantial financial losses. Reports suggested that nearly ₹45 crore had already been spent on pre-production before the actor walked away from the film.

FWICE initially stepped into the matter and issued a non-cooperation directive, which many on social media quickly interpreted as an industry ban. However, industry observers pointed out from day one that such a directive was unlikely to hold much weight legally. Following intervention from key industry bodies including IMPPA, Producers Guild, and CINTAA, FWICE has formally withdrawn its action against Ranveer Singh.

The organization’s representatives made it clear during a press conference that the move was being taken in the larger interests of the film industry and to facilitate an amicable resolution between all parties involved. FWICE has also clarified that there is no winner or loser in this matter.