RGV Calls Out FWICE’s Non-Cooperation Directive To Ranveer Singh
mumbai: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who is known for his outspoken views especially on issues affecting the film industry, weighed in on the Ranveer Singh-FWICE controversy regarding the actor’s exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. A few days ago, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation order against Ranveer in the Don 3 matter, alleging that the actor did not respond to repeated requests to appear before the mortal remains and discuss the matter. Despite sending three reminders, the problem persists.
FWICE’s decision comes a month after Farhan Akhtar approached the federation alleging a loss of Rs 45 million in pre-production related to Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3. The union’s action sparked intense debate in the industry and online. On Saturday, Ram Gopal Varma addressed FWICE and shared his stance on the issue. He said the ‘so-called ban’ would eventually turn into a ‘big joke’ for the federation. “Ban ‘FWICE’, not @Ranveer Official. The so-called ‘BAN’ or non-cooperation in Gandhiji style will eventually become a BIG FAT JOKE on FWICE. This is not protection of the industry or the worker as they claim. This is just pure performance muscle flexing by a highly outdated union system desperately trying to maintain their control. Whether they claim to speak for 5 lakh or 50 lakh plus workers, the brutal truth “This is because most of these lakhs do not even know the inner facts of the two sides’ dispute,” wrote Ram Gopal Varma.
He further said: “FWICE is neither a court of civil justice nor a government mandated regulatory body and is a kangaroo court at best, by definition it pretends to deliver justice but in reality ignores established legal rules, due process and impartiality. This is because the decision is usually pre-decided by a select group of agenda driven people meeting in private, including actors who are scared shitless about @RanveerOfficial’s mega success in Dhurandhar. For FWICE A PR Disaster because it screams despair while also revealing its obsolescence.” The producer argued that the ban was unfair and emphasized that stars like Ranveer create significant employment opportunities in the film industry. “It is stars like @RanveerOfficial who sell tickets in cinemas, not FWICE. It is stars like @RanveerOfficial, not FWICE, who create employment for hundreds of FWICE workers. This is only because stars like @RanveerOfficial exist, the industry exists and also FWICE exists. 2 parties,” he concluded.
Soon after the directive, Ranveer Singh responded through an official statement released by his spokesperson, stating that the actor has chosen to maintain silence amid the ongoing controversy. “Ranveer Singh has the utmost respect for the film fraternity and 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. While various narratives and speculations have emerged over time, Ranveer has never felt it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjectures. His focus is firmly on his work and the commitments ahead,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the actor chose to exercise “restraint” on the Don 3 controversy. He continues to have deep respect and goodwill for all involved and sincerely wishes the franchise continued success. Read the statement shared by the actor’s spokesperson: Choosing restraint and grace in moments like these has always been a conscious decision on his part and he will continue to maintain the same stance.” The controversy broke out at a time when Ranveer was at the peak of his career with the blockbuster success of the Dhurandhar series.
