When deals derail, who pays the price?

Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh. Pics/AFP

The Don 3 controversy may eventually be resolved behind closed doors or through legal channels, but its ripple effect has sparked a larger debate: Is it time for the industry to rewrite the rulebook? Following the Federation of Western India Cine Employees' (FWICE) non-cooperation directive linked to the Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar dispute, discussions are now underway on whether the matter should be formally examined by the Producers Guild as well.

Past few days, stakeholders have been sounding out producers to determine whether the issue warrants collective intervention. An internal discussion is expected in the first week of June. "The feeling among some producers is that this has gone beyond one film," says a source familiar with the conversation.

"The concern is about the precedent it sets when a project of this scale collapses after substantial investments have already been made." Another producer, speaking on condition of anonymity, adds, "People are discussing accountability. Producers want clarity on what mechanisms exist when projects run into disputes."

No formal resolution has been reached, opinions are still being gathered before any collective view can be taken. While neither Singh nor Akhtar has publicly addressed the issue, multiple industry bodies are now engaged in discussions around it.