The controversy around Ranveer Singh's reported exit from Don 3 continues to make headlines. Now, filmmaker and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) chief advisor Ashoke Pandit has spoken about the issue and shared some fresh details.

In a recent interview, Pandit claimed that the makers had already put a huge amount of money into the project before the 40-year-old actor allegedly stepped away.

Related: Don 3' controversy takes new turn after Ranveer Singh notice

According to him, the film had reached an advanced stage of preparation and filming was expected to begin within three weeks.

“A producer and director came to us and filed a complaint. They told us they were making this film and had already invested Rs 45 crore. If you are making a Rs 300-crore film, such pre-production expenses are natural. Then, just three weeks before the unit was supposed to leave for the shoot, the hero (Ranveer Singh) backed out," Ashoke Pandit told Hindi Rush, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Backing FWICE's involvement in the matter, he said the production team had completed several arrangements before the reported exit.

“The unit was leaving for the shoot in three weeks. Tickets had been booked. Hotels had been booked. Everything had been done. A producer does not spend money like that without commitment from an actor."

Related: Ashoke Pandit says Farhan Akhtar supported Ranveer Singh ahead of 'Dhurandhar' success

Pandit also claimed that FWICE tried multiple times to get a response from the Padmaavat star before moving ahead with any action. However, the actor did not respond.

The reported dispute between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar over Don 3 has become one of the most talked-about topics in Bollywood. 

Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment reportedly sought Rs 45 crore in damages, while FWICE issued a non-cooperation order against Ranveer Singh. The directive has since been withdrawn.