FWICE’s Ashoke Pandit Calls Out Ram Gopal Varma for Rs. 1.25 Crore Debt to Technicians Since 2019
The ongoing controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and the film Don 3 has intensified, drawing responses from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Recently, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma made comments that sparked a strong reaction from FWICE, particularly from its representative Ashoke Pandit. While FWICE clarified that it has not called for a ban on Singh, Pandit demanded an apology from Varma for his remarks about the organization.
FWICE Responds to Varma’s Criticism
In a media address, Pandit acknowledged Varma’s contributions to Indian cinema but expressed concern over his derogatory comments about FWICE. “Today, I’m going to talk about a man who is one of the brilliant filmmakers of this country. We do respect him and some of us are even his fans regarding his technical. Ram Gopal Verma had used abusive language and a ban was called out for him. Today, we can tell you that he owes more than a crore, 25 lakhs, to the technicians and to the workers,” Pandit stated.
He emphasized that FWICE’s intention was not to damage Varma’s reputation but to remind him of outstanding payments. “We are not trying to demean his image or ruin his reputation or take revenge like he does. But we are just reminding him because I am sure he doesn’t remember,” he added, referencing a previous interaction in 2017 regarding Varma’s film Officer.
Allegations of Unpaid Dues
Pandit proceeded to read a letter allegedly written by Varma in 2019, which acknowledged pending payments related to the film Officer, starring Nagarjuna. According to Pandit, the letter requested additional time to settle these dues. He pointed out that despite the passage of time, the promised payments have not been made. “I would like to say to Mr. Ramu, with due respect, today is 2026 and this money has not come to us. 2019, 2026, not a single money has come back to the workers and technicians and he expects us to be banned,” he remarked.
He further insisted that Varma should apologize for his comments about banning FWICE. “We take strict objection on Mr. Ramu. He should apologise to the federation by using wrong words of banning and all and abusing us who work day in and day out to see to it that more than four and a half lakh workers, technicians are there working for you and completing the film,” Pandit stated.
Continued Discussions Amid Controversy
Pandit’s remarks come at a time when discussions surrounding FWICE, the Don 3 controversy, and social media exchanges about the federation’s role in the industry are gaining momentum. His statements have reignited attention on the unresolved payment dispute that dates back to 2019. As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on the implications for both Varma and the broader film industry.
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