The dispute surrounding the much-anticipated film Don 3 continues to generate debate within the Hindi film industry, with Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) chief adviser Ashoke Pandit claiming that several prominent figures, including actor Aamir Khan, attempted to mediate before the matter escalated to the federation.
The controversy emerged after FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following a complaint from the makers of Don 3. Although the directive was later withdrawn, questions remain over the circumstances that led to the dispute. According to Ashoke Pandit, the filmmakers approached FWICE alleging that significant investments had already been made in the project before the lead actor's reported withdrawal.
Speaking to Hindi Rush, Pandit said the producer and director informed the federation that approximately ₹45 crore had been spent on pre-production activities. He claimed that preparations for filming were in their final stages and that production was expected to begin within weeks when the actor allegedly exited the project. Pandit stressed that such last-minute developments can have major financial consequences for producers and other stakeholders involved in large-scale film productions.
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Pandit further stated that FWICE followed its standard procedure by reaching out to Ranveer Singh to obtain his version of events. According to him, the federation sent multiple communications and reminders over a period of nearly six weeks but did not receive a response. He added that FWICE subsequently examined documents and reports submitted by the actor's auditors while reviewing the complaint.
The FWICE adviser also revealed that, on the day the federation was preparing to announce its non-cooperation directive, it received communication from representatives of Ranveer Singh's team expressing a willingness to meet and discuss the matter. He said that several members of the film industry, including Aamir Khan, made efforts to help resolve the dispute and prevent it from escalating further.
Reiterating FWICE's position on industry accountability, Pandit emphasised that actors and filmmakers must honour professional commitments, particularly when substantial investments have already been made. He argued that abrupt withdrawals from projects can result in significant losses and disruptions, adding that stakeholders should be held responsible for the financial impact of such decisions. Neither Ranveer Singh nor the makers of Don 3 have publicly commented in detail on the latest claims.
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