constant conflict between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Don 3, and recently the Federation of West Indian Cine Workers (FWICE) issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor, has sparked controversy in 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, ultimately contract disputes should be resolved through legal channels.Speaking to Entertainment Live, Dwivedi stressed that disagreements are not uncommon in an industry where hundreds of people work together on a single project.
“Conflicts are not rare”
“There is no right answer to this, and my only request is that you carry my answer in its entirety because it is a sensitive issue,” Dwivedi said.Explaining his position, he added: “We work with many people in a film. A film unit can have 100, 150, even 200 people. At some point, disagreements can occur between individuals. This is precisely why there are contracts and agreements. A conflict, in itself, is not unusual.”According to Dwivedi, the existence of conflicts is also the reason why industry associations and representative bodies are necessary.“That’s why conflicts happen, and that’s why film associations and industry organizations also exist. Their presence is important because they provide representation. But, ultimately, their intention should be reconciliation and finding a solution between the parties involved,” he said.
“If mediation fails, associations should back down”
Dwivedi argued that while associations should make every effort to facilitate dialogue, they should not go beyond that role.“If a solution cannot be reached, I think the associations should go back,” he said.The producer stated that contractual disputes are legal matters that can only be resolved in court.“Any contract dispute can ultimately only be resolved in an Indian court. That’s what we have courts for. You can try to resolve issues emotionally or through mediation, but if that doesn’t work, the matter has to be resolved legally.”
It questions the legality of non-cooperative directives
Addressing the issue of industry bodies asking members not to work with a particular person, Dwivedi said he was not sure whether such actions would face legal scrutiny.“One more aspect is when an association says people shouldn’t work with a certain person or their members won’t work with them. I don’t know if that’s legally allowed.”He also argued that these actions could constitute an unfair trade practice.“Actually, legally, I don’t think it is because it could fall under the category of unfair trade practice. You can’t prevent someone from earning a living or limit their job opportunities.”Dwivedi added, “So if something is not allowed legally, we have to carefully consider whether we should do it or not.”
“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, I think the associations should simply say to both sides, ‘We have done everything we can. Now you must take the matter to court and let the legal proceedings decide.’ In my opinion, that’s where their task should end.”
He refers to judgments of the Bombay High Court
Dwivedi also questioned whether industry bodies have the power to effectively bar members from working with a person.“I’m not sure they do. There have already been rulings on that. The Bombay High Court has delivered judgments on similar issues in 2017 and 2018.”“Based on those decisions, I don’t know if these associations really have that authority or not. And if they don’t have that authority, then I don’t know if such advertisements will last,” he concluded.The comments come at a time when the Don 3 dispute remains unresolved as mediation efforts have failed to yield a resolution between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment.
