The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex body representing over 4–5 lakh film technicians, workers, and 38 craft unions across India, has issued a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against actor Ranveer Singh following a formal complaint filed by filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment.

The directive, announced at a press conference on 25 May 2026, urges all affiliated members, including camera operators, lightmen, carpenters, spot boys, art directors, makeup artists, dancers, and musicians, not to work with Singh on any project until he personally appears before the federation and the dispute is resolved amicably.

According to FWICE leaders, including President BN Tiwari and Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit (who also heads the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association), Farhan Akhtar filed the complaint on 11 April 2026.

The producers alleged that Singh, who had signed a reported three-film contract with Excel Entertainment and was actively involved in pre-production, providing creative inputs, shooting promotional material, approving costumes, and participating in location recce, withdrew just three weeks before a 200-plus crew unit was scheduled to depart for the shoot.

Excel Entertainment has claimed pre-production losses of approximately ₹45 crore, backed by audited documents covering locations, hotels, flights, sets, and costumes.

Many technicians had reportedly blocked dates and turned down other work, resulting in livelihood losses for the crew.

FWICE stated that it followed due process by sending three formal notices to Singh at 10-day intervals (on 22 April, 30 April, and 13 May 2026), inviting him to present his side in person.

No response was received until the press conference was announced, at which point his team emailed the federation, questioning its jurisdiction and suggesting the matter was contractual and best handled in a legal forum.

“We have decided to send a message to the industry that a superstar is not bigger than the law,” Tiwari said at the press conference.

“We are issuing a non-cooperation directive until he decides to meet us personally.”

Ashoke Pandit later clarified in follow-up interviews on 26 May that the directive is not a legal ban.

“We are not a court; we cannot ban people,” he emphasized.

“Non-cooperation means all our members who belong to 38 crafts will not work with him. It is our choice whether we want to work with him or not.”

The federation has appealed to producer bodies for support, stressing that the same principle would apply if a producer or director abruptly removed a technician or artist at the last minute.

The move is aimed at protecting workers and discouraging a “wrong trend” of last-minute walkouts that cause massive financial and professional damage.

In his first response to the controversy, Ranveer Singh’s spokesperson stated on 26 May:

“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 remain silent, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect. While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead. He continues to hold deep respect and goodwill for all those involved and sincerely wishes the franchise continued success.”

The Don 3 project remains stalled.

No official replacement for Singh has been announced, though speculation about other actors has circulated in industry circles.

Singh was spotted at Mumbai airport on 26 May in a low-key appearance, his first public sighting after the directive.

FWICE has reiterated that it remains open to a personal meeting with Singh for an amicable resolution “in the interest of both parties.”

No court proceedings have been initiated yet, and the matter continues to be handled at the industry-body level.

The episode has sparked widespread debate in Bollywood about star accountability, contractual obligations, and the power of trade unions to protect the livelihoods of behind-the-camera workers.

Many view it as a potential precedent in an industry long dominated by star-driven dynamics.

This story is developing.

FWICE has confirmed it will lift the directive once the dispute is resolved through dialogue.