New Delhi: The ban against actor Ranveer Singh by the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees on Monday, following his exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3, triggered an avalanche of reactions from users on social media. The controversy emerged after the Dhurandhar star reportedly walked out of the film due to “creative differences”, and the makers reportedly suffered losses worth Rs 45 crore due to his departure.
On Monday, FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against Singh, alleging that he failed to respond to their invitation to appear in person and discuss the issue despite three reminders.
“He (Farhan Akhtar) strongly submitted that such abrupt withdrawal from a committed project is highly unacceptable, contrary to industry ethics, and against long-standing professional norms followed within the film fraternity,” FWICE said in a press release.
Ranveer Singh’s team issued a statement on his Instagram story. “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,” it read.
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Justified or not?
Social media erupted soon after the news broke, and X was quickly divided into two factions. Many took the actor’s side, and many sided with Akhtar.
“How much penalty was put on Vikrant Massey for quitting the same movie before Ranveer did? Did FWICE ban him too?” one X user wrote.
At the same time, several users speculated that the success of Dhurandhar has shaken certain sections of Bollywood, leading to stricter action against Singh.
“He is getting targeted because his Dhurandhar success shook the old Bollywood cartel. Actors walk out of projects all the time — suddenly it’s a ‘non-cooperation’ drama only when it’s Ranveer?” another user posted.
The controversy also sparked debate around the authority of film unions, with some questioning whether a trade body should have the power to issue directives against artists.
“Trade Union is issuing dictates. This is a matter between two individuals and should be sorted out between the two. Who is this Federation to issue notices and dictates?” a X user commented.
Those in support of FWICE’s decision argued that the reported Rs 45 crore loss and disruption caused to the production justified strict action.
“₹45 crore loss, entire shoot planning wasted, technicians affected… and people still think professionalism is optional in cinema,” one user wrote.
Don 3 was announced in August 2023, introducing Ranveer Singh as the next-generation Don after Amitabh Bachchan, who played the role in the original Don (1978) and Shah Rukh Khan, who played the same role in 2006 and 2011.
After two years of speculations, Singh exited the film unceremoniously in December, 2025, prompting Farhan Akhtar to file a complaint at FWICE.
This is Farhan Akhtar’s second film to hit a roadblock; the last directorial he announced was Jee Le Zara, starring Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif, also shelved.