Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has strongly defended actor Ranveer Singh amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his reported exit from Don 3 and the subsequent non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Varma criticized the film workers’ body, calling it an outdated institution and arguing that its actions were more about asserting influence than protecting industry workers.
The controversy began after reports emerged that Ranveer Singh had exited Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 shortly before production was scheduled to begin. FWICE later issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor, citing concerns over alleged losses suffered by the production. The federation also claimed that Farhan Akhtar was seeking compensation of ₹45 crore from Ranveer over the matter.
Reacting to the development, Varma took to social media and urged the industry to “ban FWICE, not Ranveer Singh.” He argued that the dispute should remain a private matter between the parties involved and questioned FWICE’s authority to intervene. According to Varma, the organisation is neither a court nor a regulatory body empowered to pass judgments on such matters.
The filmmaker further claimed that Ranveer’s recent blockbuster success with Dhurandhar may have contributed to the controversy, alleging that some industry members were uncomfortable with the actor’s growing influence. He challenged any technicians who claimed to have suffered due to Ranveer’s exit from the project to publicly present evidence and explain their grievances.
Varma also emphasized the importance of film stars in sustaining the industry, stating that actors like Ranveer generate employment opportunities for thousands of workers by drawing audiences to theatres.
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh’s team has maintained that the actor holds deep respect for the film fraternity and prefers to handle professional matters with dignity and discretion. Supporting the actor, the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) reaffirmed its backing, with vice-president Padmini Kolhapure stating that the organisation stands firmly with Ranveer whenever needed.
