Before Ranveer Singh's FWICE row; THESE Malayalam and Tamil stars also faced industry restrictions and bans

The recent non-cooperation notice issued against Ranveer Singh by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has once again brought industry bans and restrictions into public discussion. Such actions are not exclusive to Bollywood. Film industries across South India have also witnessed similar controversies involving actors and technicians over the years.

Shane Nigam's repeated clashes with producer bodies

Malayalam actor Shane Nigam has faced multiple confrontations with industry organisations during his career. Complaints were filed from producers regarding delays along with scheduling concerns and alleged losses linked to film projects. This reportedly led to interventions by bodies such as the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), FEFKA and AMMA as reported by Indian Express.




In the year 2019 the disagreements surrounding projects including Shane Nigam starrer 'Veyil' and 'Qurbani' escalated. Producers alleged that certain actions had adversely affected productions and resulting in financial setbacks.
New complaints came out from within the Malayalam film industry in the year 2023 and.Shane once again faced restrictions alongside actor Sreenath Bhasi. Reports from News Minute says that both the actors were alleged of misconduct and substance abuse.


Discussions between stakeholders eventually paved the way for a settlement. Following negotiations and mutual understanding the restrictions were lifted and this allowed the actor to resume work on upcoming projects.

Vadivelu's long-running dispute in Kollywood

Few industry conflicts in Tamil cinema lasted as long as the dispute involving comedian and actor Vadivelu. The controversy centred around the ambitious historical comedy film 'Imsai Arasan 24am Pulikesi'.
The project encountered repeated setbacks during production leading to disagreements between the actor and the film's makers. TOI City reports that differences over casting decisions along with costume design and production requirements resulted in growing tensions.


Producers alleged that the stalled project caused major financial losses. Complaints were reportedly filed with the Tamil Film Producers Council and Nadigar Sangam. The matter became one of the biggest controversies in Kollywood and the resulting restrictions kept Vadivelu away from major projects for several years.


Now Vadivelu has made a comeback to Tollywood with magnificent projects such as 'Maamannan', 'Maareesan', and many more.

Sreenath Bhasi's controversial ban

Actor Sreenath Bhasi also faced a dark phase in 2023 after producer organisations in Kerala announced a non-cooperation directive against the 'Home' actor.


Reportedly, the producers filed a complaint stating that Sreenath Bhasi had a habit of signing multiple projects at a time and also allocated the same shooting dates for different projects. This led to major shoot clashes and also financial losses to producers, as reported by The New Indian Express.


The actor had already stepped into a controversy following an incident during promotional activities for the film 'Chattambi' in the year 2022 where he verbally abused a female anchor.


Discussions were held with the actor and he was advised to address the concerns raised by producers. The restrictions against him were withdrawn following an apology from Sreenath Bhasi.

Thilakan's stand against industry power groups

One of the most talked ban-related controversies in Malayalam cinema involved legendary actor Thilakan. Known for his outspoken nature the acclaimed performer publicly criticised influential organisations and questioned what he perceived as an unfair concentration of power within the industry.


Thilakan repeatedly alleged that a powerful group influenced professional opportunities and casting decisions, even before Hema Committee had pointed out the same after several years. The veteran actor claimed these differences resulted in him being sidelined from several projects.


Speaking to Lukose about artistic freedom and the idea of bans, Thilakan said, “An artist can never be banned. Nor his talent. Art is like an ocean. Boundless.”