The ongoing dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Don 3, which recently led to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a non-cooperation directive against the actor, has sparked debate across the film industry. Producer and actor Nikhil Dwivedi has now weighed in on the controversy, saying that while industry bodies play an important role in mediation, contractual disputes should ultimately be resolved through legal channels.Speaking to Entertainment Live, Dwivedi stressed that disagreements are not uncommon in an industry that involves hundreds of people working together on a single project.
‘Disputes are not unusual’
“There’s no straightforward answer to this, and my only request is that my response be carried in its entirety because it’s a sensitive issue,” Dwivedi said.Explaining his stance, he added, “We work with a lot of people on a film. A movie unit can have 100, 150, even 200 people. At some point, disagreements can happen between individuals. That’s precisely why contracts and agreements exist. A dispute, by itself, is not unusual.”According to Dwivedi, the existence of disputes is also the reason industry associations and representative bodies are necessary.“That’s why disputes happen, and that’s also why film associations and industry bodies exist. Their presence is important because they provide representation. But, ultimately, their intention should be reconciliation and finding a resolution between the parties involved,” he said.
‘If mediation fails, associations should step back’
Dwivedi argued that while associations should make every effort to facilitate dialogue, they should not go beyond that role.“If a settlement cannot be reached, then I believe the associations have to step back,” he said.The producer pointed out that contractual disagreements are legal matters that can only be conclusively resolved in court.“Any contractual dispute can ultimately only be resolved in a court of law in India. We have courts for that purpose. You can try to resolve matters emotionally or through mediation, but if that doesn’t work, the matter has to be settled legally.”
Questions legality of non-cooperation directives
Addressing the issue of industry bodies asking members not to work with a particular individual, Dwivedi said he was unsure whether such actions would stand legal scrutiny.“One more aspect is when an association says that people should not work with a particular individual or that its members will not work with them. I don’t know whether that is legally tenable.”He further argued that such actions could potentially amount to an unfair trade practice.“In fact, legally, I don’t think it is, because it can fall under the category of an unfair trade practice. You cannot prevent someone from earning a livelihood or restrict their employment opportunities.”Dwivedi added, “So if something isn’t legally tenable, we need to carefully consider whether we should be doing it at all.”
‘Bring both sides together, then let the courts decide’
The producer reiterated that associations should focus on mediation rather than enforcement.“Associations can certainly bring a producer and an actor to the same table and make every effort to resolve the issue. They can mediate, facilitate discussions and try to find common ground.”However, if a resolution remains elusive, he believes the matter should be left to the judiciary.“If the matter still cannot be resolved, then I think the associations should simply tell both parties: ‘We’ve done everything we can. Now you should take the matter to court and let the legal process decide.’ That, in my view, is where their role should end.”
Refers to Bombay High Court rulings
Dwivedi also questioned whether industry bodies possess the authority to effectively bar members from working with an individual.“I’m not sure they do. There have already been rulings to that effect. The Bombay High Court has delivered judgments on similar issues in 2017 and 2018.”“Based on those rulings, I don’t know whether these associations actually have that jurisdiction. And if they don’t have that jurisdiction, then I don’t know whether such announcements would ultimately hold up,” he concluded.The comments come at a time when the Don 3 dispute remains unresolved, with mediation efforts having failed to produce a settlement between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment.