New Delhi, May 26 -- The row surrounding Ranveer Singh's exit from Farhan Akhtar's Don 3 intensified this week after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor, prompting renewed debate over whether film unions can effectively "ban" artistes from working in the industry.

The dispute stems from allegations by Excel Entertainment founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani that Singh withdrew from the film shortly before production was due to begin, despite substantial pre-production spending. FWICE said the producers informed the body that nearly Rs.45 crore had already been invested in the project, including promotional material and preparatory work.

The federation subseque...