Mumbai has become the center of a heated legal confrontation between two significant figures in the Bollywood industry. Prominent film producer Vashu Bhagnani and his son Jackky Bhagnani of Pooja Entertainment have formally lodged a police complaint against acclaimed director Ali Abbas Zafar. The accusation? Misappropriation and siphoning of funds related to the production of the much-anticipated film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, starring stalwarts Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
The Bhagnanis’ legal team ignited the controversy by filing a detailed complaint at the Bandra Police Station, asserting that Zafar engaged in numerous fraudulent activities. The producer duo has accused Zafar of multiple criminal offenses, ranging from fraud and theft to coercion and a criminal breach of trust. Specifically, the complaint highlights Zafar’s alleged siphoning of subsidy funds provided by the Abu Dhabi authorities during the film’s production.
The 17-page complaint, meticulously documented and addressed to the Senior Inspector and Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Police, spells out the gravity of the accusations. According to the complaint, Zafar’s actions involved the “intention to defraud, misappropriation of funds, criminal conspiracy, extortion, blackmailing, threats/criminal intimidation, harassment, criminal defamation, and money laundering/financial embezzlement.” Furthermore, it details that Zafar allegedly fabricated invoices and operated illicit accounts through a shell entity based in Abu Dhabi to siphon the subsidy funds meant for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’.
As the allegations took center stage, Zafar promptly countered with his grievances, claiming a significant financial loss at the hands of Pooja Entertainment. He asserts that the production house owes him a staggering Rs 7.3 crore for his directorial efforts on the very same film. In a bid to resolve the matter amicably, Zafar took his case to the Directors’ Association, who then escalated the issue to the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) on July 31. However, Pooja Entertainment vehemently denies the legitimacy of Zafar’s claims, suggesting that the dues are not genuine and are subject to several counterclaims.
FWICE has now intervened, asking Zafar to provide comprehensive evidence to support his claims. This development has added yet another layer to the already complex and contentious dispute.
. The President of FWICE, B.N. Tiwari, provided additional context during his statement to ANI, citing other complaints involving pending balances and non-payments within the industry.
For instance, Tiwari highlighted complaints from director Tinu Desai regarding an outstanding balance of Rs 33 lakh for ‘Mission Raniganj’ and from director Vikas Bahl, who claims he has not been paid Rs 2.5 crores for ‘Ganapath’. The FWICE President portrayed the issue as not merely an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of financial disputes between filmmakers and producers in Bollywood.
“No director wants their name to be dragged into public controversy for issues like this, and neither does the Federation aim to defame anyone,” Tiwari emphasized. He revealed that FWICE aims to mediate a resolution to the dispute in a way that safeguards the interests of both filmmakers and producers, who are equally integral to the industry. With this goal in mind, Tiwari has appealed for a joint meeting to address and resolve the financial disagreements within a week.
The situation has brought attention to the inner workings and financial complexities involved in Bollywood film productions, particularly regarding funding and payments. While the industry is known for its glamorous facade, this dispute reveals the often murky financial underpinnings that can lead to significant legal battles.
As the saga unfolds, industry observers anticipate that further details will emerge, potentially shifting public perception and the legal context of the dispute. Both parties, Bhagnani and Zafar, stand accused and accuser, locked in a battle that could have far-reaching implications for their careers and the projects they are involved in.
This legal turmoil serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense pressures that come with producing blockbuster films in an industry as expansive and competitive as Bollywood. As both sides prepare for potential legal showdowns, stakeholders and onlookers alike are waiting to see how this high-profile conflict will be resolved and what it means for the Bollywood industry as a whole.
