Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani of Pooja Entertainment, have taken a bold step by filing a complaint against director Ali Abbas Zafar. The complaint alleges that Zafar misused subsidy funds he obtained from Abu Dhabi during the production of their recent film, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The film hit theatres on April 11, 2024, but the drama off-screen is just getting started.
About The Complaint Filed Against Ali Abbas Zafar
The complaint was lodged at Bandra Police Station on September 2, 2024. In it, the Bhagnanis accuse Zafar, along with Himanshu Mehra, Ekesh Ranadive, and others, of serious allegations including fraud, cheating, misappropriation of funds, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and harassment. These claims stem from their roles in producing Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
The Bhagnanis assert that Zafar and his associates misrepresented their capabilities and mismanaged the film’s production. This mismanagement has reportedly led to considerable financial losses. They allege that Zafar inflated budgets, accepted kickbacks, fabricated invoices, and funneled funds through a shell company in Abu Dhabi.
The complaint further states that despite previous assurances, the accused mishandled contracts, failed to provide accurate financial records, and demanded payments that were not approved. This situation escalated with allegations of extortion, coercion, and defamation, prompting the Bhagnanis to seek legal action.
Ali Abbas Zafar Recently Accused BMCM Producers Of Holding His Fee
Recent reports suggested that Zafar had earlier accused the producers of withholding Rs 7.30 crores, claiming this was his directing fee for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
Tensions have been high, with crew members also speaking out against Pooja Entertainment for delayed payments. Crew member Ruchita Kamble took to Instagram to warn others against working with the production house, highlighting payment issues.
BN Tiwari, the president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), stated that Vashu Bhagnani allegedly owes over ₹65 lakh to crew members from multiple projects, including Mission Raniganj, Ganapath, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
In an official statement, Jackky Bhagnani mentioned that Akshay Kumar has paused his payments from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan until all cast and crew members are compensated. Pooja Entertainment, founded in 1986, has a history of backing popular films such as Coolie No. 1, Biwi No. 1, and Jawaani Jaaneman.
Unfortunately, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan has struggled at the box office, raking in only Rs 59.17 crores against a hefty budget of nearly Rs 350 crores. The action film, which also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Alaya F, and Manushi Chillar, received poor reviews upon its release.
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