In previous years, numerous Bollywood stars have had to bail out from film contracts (due to date conflicts, script revisions, shifting creative direction, etc.), but once in a while, an exit from a film creates a huge buzz beyond simply being a change in casting. This is what seems to be happening now with Ranveer Singh who is exiting the role of playing the lead in Don 3.
There have been multiple reports of Ranveer leaving Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated action franchise, and now the story has developed into one of the biggest controversies in the Hindi film industry this year. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a Non-Cooperation directive against the actor; this directive creates waves throughout Bollywood and raises two of the industry’s most burning issues: Who is responsible for this situation, and what is the appropriate balance of power between productions, actors, and the industry as a whole?
FWICE is not making this move out of goodwill; rather it is making this move part of an ongoing campaign to create better working environments for everyone. FWICE embodies the collective membership of many unions and creative associations within the film, video, and multimedia industries in Western India. As such, the directive basically prohibits all members from working with Ranveer Singh until the matter is resolved. This action was taken by FWICE following an official complaint filed by Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment against Ranveer Singh for allegedly abandoning the production of Don 3 shortly before it was to go into production.
The producers of Don 3 have argued that they have spent close to Rs. 45 crores on the extensive pre-production of this movie. These activities are said to have included: locations recce, travel arrangements, technical preparation and logistical planning having already been underway since Ranveer was attached as the primary actor in the project.
The financial dispute has given rise to another discussion about the actor and director relationship, perhaps an even loftier discussion.
Industry buzz indicates that the actor/director relationship was becoming strained regarding the creative direction of Don 3. Ranveer, coming off of a momentum of darker and deeper performances felt that he wanted Don 3 to go towards a grittier, more aggressive and rougher world than had been displayed previously. In contrast, it is said that Farhan had a different view of Don.
Don has had a specific persona for decades, from the days of Amitabh Bachchan and the stylish portrayal of Shah Rukh Khan to what many believe to be a sophisticated anti-hero and not a physically violent one. The character of Don has been depicted less as a brutal person and more as a charismatic, mysterious and confident person. Reports say that Farhan had a strong belief in keeping that same persona intact and, as a result, had a large amount of creative disagreement with him.
Several months ago, it was reported that attempts had been made to reach a peaceful resolution, and reports stated that these discussions had included financial settlements, including returning Ranveer’s initial deposit for him agreeing to sign onto the project and/or their commitment to work on future projects. However, no agreement was reached as a result of those conversations.
As a result of the controversy surrounding Ranveer’s exit from this project, the FWICE felt it was necessary to make an official industry statement regarding their reason for issuing their letter and their request to Ranveer to respond.
According to the FWICE, one key reason why their decision was made is due to Ranveer not being present on multiple occasions for them to communicate with him about any issues he may have had. Because of this, the FWICE states that three separate notices were sent to him prior to their letter of request.
In their statement, the FWICE also argues that abruptly leaving a large production affects more than just the producers and actors; it has an adverse effect on technicians, assistants, and a multitude of daily-wage labourers, all of whom depend on the timely schedule of the production.
Ranveer Singh is taking a different approach to this situation than his representatives, who have said that contract disputes are legal issues and they do not believe FWICE (the Film Writers’ Association) has any authority over contracts between corporations and talent. He made a point to not directly confront them and instead has chosen to exhibit “restraint and grace rather than noise” while showing respect for the franchise and fellow professionals in the industry.
Although his comments may have helped turn down the volume of the public discussion on this issue, it hasn’t stopped the conversation within the industry.
In fact, the conversation extends beyond just Ranveer Singh and Don 3. It now encompasses a much larger issue: when an actor leaves a production at such an advanced stage, where does their creative freedom stop and their professional obligation begin?
It is certainly within the rights of any actor to object to their script and to leave a project when they no longer feel it fits their vision. However, there are frequently many people, with numerous jobs and investments, involved with large productions. Therefore, this is often the point at which artistic instinct and commitment to business causes some of the biggest battles in the industry.
At this time, Don 3 is uncertain and Ranveer Singh is moving ahead with his future projects. Whether this will become a long legal battle, a settlement, or just another dramatic chapter in Bollywood’s history will be determined in the future.
But one thing is certain: what started as a casting issue has now become one of the biggest conversations Bollywood is having this year.
