The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after the civic body blacklisted several prominent production houses and technicians involved in the upcoming film Dhurandhar 2. In a statement released on February 18, 2026, FWICE general secretary Ashoke Pandit called the move “arbitrary, disproportionate and lacking due process,” demanding full accountability from the BMC and urging the state government to intervene.
What Triggered the Blacklist?
The BMC issued the blacklist notice citing repeated violations of civic rules during the shooting of Dhurandhar 2 (a sequel to the 2025 hit Dhurandhar), including unauthorised road closures, noise pollution beyond permissible hours, improper waste disposal and non-payment of required civic fees. The notice bars the listed production company, key crew members and vendors from obtaining shooting permissions in Mumbai for the next 12 months. The film, directed by Rohit Shetty and starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar in pivotal roles, is currently in mid-production
FWICE’s Strong Stand
FWICE, the apex body representing over 1.5 lakh cine workers across Maharashtra, issued a detailed response:
“We respect civic laws and public safety, but blacklisting without a proper hearing, documented evidence or opportunity to rectify is not justice—it is punishment without trial. Many technicians, junior artists and daily-wage workers have already lost work due to this blanket ban. The BMC must be held accountable for its actions.”
The statement further demanded:
- Immediate withdrawal of the blacklist pending a joint inquiry
- Transparent disclosure of the specific violations and evidence
- A clear grievance redressal mechanism for film shoots before punitive action
- Protection of livelihoods of workers who had no role in the alleged violations
Industry & Public Divide
The issue has split opinions online. Some residents and civic activists supported the BMC, saying repeated complaints were ignored and that “celebrity shoots cannot keep disrupting normal life.” Others from the film fraternity called the blacklist “overreach” and argued that the industry contributes heavily to Mumbai’s economy through tourism, employment and taxes.Producers and directors have privately expressed concern that such actions could deter large-scale shoots in Mumbai, pushing more projects to Hyderabad, Hyderabad or international locations.
What Happens to Dhurandhar 2 Now?
The makers have not issued an official comment yet, but sources say they are in talks with the BMC and state cultural department to resolve the matter quickly. Shooting has been shifted to controlled sets and alternative locations for the time being.As Mumbai balances its role as India’s film capital with urban governance challenges, the Dhurandhar 2 blacklist has become a flashpoint
-By Manoj H