The Big Reveal
It looks like Ram Gopal Varma has found himself in a sticky situation with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). During a press conference held earlier this week, the federation’s Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit made some explosive claims about the maverick filmmaker.
According to Pandit, RGV still owes over Rs 1.25 crore to technicians and workers who worked on his film Officer. The statement came as a sharp response to Varma’s recent criticism of the federation over its now-revoked non-cooperative directive against actor Ranveer Singh in the Don 3 controversy.
Pandit didn’t mince words as he addressed the media, revealing that the case has been dragging on since 2017. He said that RGV’s comments about the federation should be taken with a pinch of salt, given his own outstanding dues to the very people who make films possible.
What’s The History?
This isn’t a fresh dispute. Industry insiders reveal that the matter has been pending for almost a decade now. The FWICE had previously taken up the issue of unpaid wages on behalf of the crew members, but it appears that Ram Gopal Varma has been dragging his feet on clearing the dues.
Ashoke Pandit, known for his no-nonsense approach, used the opportunity to put things in perspective. He said that while everyone is entitled to their opinion in a democratic country like India, it is important to set the record straight when someone tries to lecture the federation on ethics.
The filmmaker had earlier suggested that the FWICE should be banned for issuing a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh. That directive, which stemmed from the Don 3 casting row, was revoked during the same press conference. The timing of Pandit’s revelation seemed deliberate—a classic Bollywood-style counterpunch.
What Happened With Ranveer Singh?
Earlier this week, the entire industry was buzzing with the news of a non-cooperative directive being issued against Ranveer Singh. The reason was reportedly related to the Don 3 project and some disagreements with the producers. However, the FWICE quickly backtracked on that decision.
During the same press meet, the federation announced that the directive against Singh has been revoked. It appears that cooler heads prevailed and the matter was resolved amicably. But Ram Gopal Varma’s outspoken support for Singh, coupled with his harsh words for the FWICE, seems to have triggered the union to hit back where it hurts.
With this new development, the ball is now in RGV’s court. Sources close to the filmmaker have not yet issued a statement. Will he clear the dues, or is this going to become another long-drawn legal battle? For now, the spotlight is firmly on Varma, and the industry is watching closely.