Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty has publicly supported Ranveer Singh amid the ongoing Don 3 controversy, questioning why anyone would want to ban an actor who has contributed so much to the industry. The controversy began after Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from the film, leading Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment to seek nearly ₹45 crore in compensation for losses during pre-production.
Suniel Shetty firmly defended Ranveer Singh in an interview with Times Now, stating that no one has the right to ban an artist or their work. He emphasized that any such action would not hold up in a court of law.
“Nobody can ban an actor, nobody can ban art. Nobody has the right to. The Supreme Court will throw out the matter in a second.”
Suniel Shetty Praises Both Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar
While backing Ranveer Singh, Shetty also praised Farhan Akhtar, describing both as reasonable individuals who could resolve the issue if they sat down for a conversation. He expressed confidence that the two could “create magic” if they worked together.
“Farhan is also very sensible and even Ranveer. I honestly feel, knowing Farhan and Ranveer, if they sit together, they can create magic.”
His strongest statement came when he questioned the logic behind punishing Ranveer Singh. Shetty pointed out the actor’s significant box office contributions.
“Who are you to ban? Try and understand that this kid has given you 3 and half thousand crore revenue to the industry. Why would you want to ban him? If you ban something that people want to watch, what exactly are you trying to achieve?”
What Led to the Don 3 Controversy and FWICE Non-Cooperation Directive
The Don 3 dispute has become one of Bollywood’s biggest talking points. The controversy started after Ranveer Singh exited the project in December 2025, just weeks before the film was scheduled to begin production. He was announced as the new Don in 2023, taking over the role previously played by Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
Reports suggest Ranveer Singh had concerns about the script, budget changes, and director Farhan Akhtar’s availability due to other commitments. Excel Entertainment reportedly claimed losses of nearly ₹45 crore from pre-production work, including location scouting, look tests, and action training.
The conflict escalated when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh in April 2026. The directive came after Farhan Akhtar filed a complaint with the federation. FWICE sent three notices to Ranveer Singh, but his legal team reportedly responded that the federation had no authority to interfere in what they considered a contractual matter.
Resolution Through Mediation and Current Status of Don 3
Ranveer Singh’s legal team opposed the FWICE directive, arguing the federation lacked legal authority to enforce such a restriction. The dispute was eventually resolved through mediation by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA). In early June 2026, FWICE withdrew its non-cooperation order.
Despite the resolution, the future of Don 3 remains uncertain. The makers have not announced a replacement for Ranveer Singh or confirmed whether the project will move forward. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh continues to enjoy massive success following the blockbuster performance of his film Dhurandhar.
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Industry Support and Broader Debate
Suniel Shetty’s support for Ranveer Singh reflects a larger conversation within Bollywood about contractual obligations versus creative freedom. The controversy has raised important questions about the authority of industry bodies and how disputes between actors and producers should be handled.
Shetty’s remarks have shifted the discussion toward a fundamental principle: can any organization effectively stop an actor from working in India’s film industry? His defense of Ranveer Singh has been praised by fans and industry colleagues alike, with many appreciating his balanced perspective.
While opinions remain divided over Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3, the industry now waits to see whether the two parties can find common ground. For now, Suniel Shetty’s strong support has added an important voice to the ongoing debate about artistic freedom and professional accountability in Bollywood.
Also Read: Avinash Agarwal Quit His Job and Spent 12 Years Doing Open Mics Before India’s Got Latent Fame
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