The Producers Guild of India recently issued a strongly worded statement addressing what it described as growing instances of talent, directors, and technicians backing out of commitments to producers, often at the eleventh hour amidst Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar‘s ‘Don 3’ dispute. It has drawn a sharp response from actor Ranvir Shorey, who turned the spotlight back on producers. He argued that they are equally, if not more, guilty of pulling the plug without warning or compensation.
Ranvir Shorey’s response to the Producers Guild of India’s statement
Ranvir Shorey was quick to respond, sharing his perspective on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “You will not believe how many times producers cancel/delay projects unilaterally without any mention of compensation for the losses to an actor.”
The post triggered a debate online, with one user pushing back and arguing that producers bear heavier losses when actors walk out, adding, “The number of producers that take an actor for granted is far lesser than the number of actors that take a producer for granted (in Bollywood). The exploitation is far deeper for new producers who often end up bankrupt due to shoot katke date phansa dena.”Shorey responded by drawing a clear line between working actors and top-tier stars. He replied, “You are not talking about actors. Those are ‘stars’!”
Producers Guild of India’s statement
In its official statement, the Guild made clear that such behaviour threatens the financial and reputational health of the entire industry.“No member of the industry should indulge in such behaviour that has, in these cases, led to substantial financial loss to our member producers as well as to other verticals in the industry. Such actions by any industry member have serious and far-reaching consequences and undermine the spirit of trust, professionalism and mutual respect on which the film industry is built,” the statement read.The body also highlighted the collateral damage caused to crew members: “These instances have caused significant reputational damage, an adverse impact on the credibility and brand value of the films concerned, and jeopardised the livelihoods of hundreds of technicians and crew members who depend on these projects.”The Guild concluded with a call for resolution: “We urge all parties to resolve their disputes amicably, and we will strive to protect the fraternity’s interests.”
What made the Producers Guild of India release a statement
The Guild revealed that it had received formal complaints from its members, Excel Entertainment Private Limited and Panorama Studios International Limited, regarding such issues arising just days before the start of principal photography. The statement came in the backdrop of Ranveer Singh’s widely reported exit from ‘Don 3’ and Akshaye Khanna stepping away from ‘Drishyam 3’.
