The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 continues to stir controversy within the film industry. In a recent interview, Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) president and chief advisor to Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Ashok Pandit threw light on the decision-making process of the federation and claimed that comprehensive documents were scrutinized before the non-cooperation was announced.
“Excel told us that Rs 45 crore has already been spent.”
According to Pandit, the problem started when the makers of Don 3 filed a formal complaint with the federation.“A producer and director came to us and lodged a complaint saying that they are making Don 3 and around Rs 45 crore has already been invested in the project. They brought all the documents, expense papers and details of signing amounts,” he told Indian Rush.Such expenses are not unusual for large-scale production, he noted.“If you are making a Rs 300-crore film, Rs 45 crore in pre-production expenses is normal. You were supposed to leave the unit for shooting in three weeks and suddenly there was a walkout.”
“We sent three messages but received no response.”
Pandit said FWICE followed due process before arriving at any decision.“As a general rule, whenever we get a complaint, we hear from both sides. We wrote to the other party because we wanted to know their version too. We sent a letter, then another, then a third reminder.”
We did not receive any response.”According to him, the only communication that eventually arrived questioned the federation’s jurisdiction over the matter.“We were told that this was not our business and that we should not get involved.”
“The design has been completed and tickets have been booked.”
Pandit claimed that the federation examined substantial evidence before taking any action.“We saw WhatsApp chats between Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The design was finalized, the costumes were finalized, tickets were booked, hotels were arranged and the unit was scheduled to leave within three weeks.”He added that these preparations indicate that the project has achieved great progress.“A producer wouldn’t spend that kind of money without having commitments.”
“We never banned Ranveer Singh.”
Pandit also addressed reports that the federation has banned the actor.“The media got it wrong. We never used the word ‘ban’. Neither I nor anyone from the federation said that. We are not a court and we do not have the authority to ban anyone.”He explained that FWICE only announced non-cooperation.“What we said is that our workers and technicians will not work on projects involving Ranveer Singh. Non-cooperation and ban are two completely different things.”
“If you leave a movie, the losses must be compensated.”
Pandit emphasized that the union’s concern was about accountability and not personalities.“Ranveer might have had ten real reasons to leave the film. We don’t question that. But if the producer has spent millions of dollars because of your commitment, those losses should be compensated.”“No industry can function if someone spends money and then suddenly says they’re no longer interested,” he said, drawing a comparison with other professions.
“The issue is bigger than one actor.”
According to Pandit, FWICE’s interest extends beyond Don 3.“Today he is an actor. Tomorrow he could be a director, writer or cinematographer. If people start leaving projects at the last minute, the whole system will suffer.”He added that the union is now working with producing bodies to develop standard operating procedures for this industry.“We want a standard operating procedure for everyone – actors, directors, technicians and assistants. The commitments have to mean something.”Pandit concluded his speech by emphasizing that the federation has no personal problem with Ranveer Singh.“We are accountable to producers, technicians, workers and actors alike. It is about discipline and trust, not about targeting any individual.”
