Vashu Bhagnani and Jacky Bhagnani, prominent figures in Pooja Entertainment, have taken a significant step by filing a complaint against filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar. The complaint, lodged on September 3, alleges that Zafar misappropriated subsidy funds amounting to ₹9.50 crore from the Abu Dhabi authorities during the production of their film, *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan*. The Bandra Police in Mumbai is expected to summon Zafar for questioning as the investigation unfolds.
The Bhagnanis’ complaint outlines serious allegations against Zafar, including fraud, coercion, criminal breach of trust, extortion, blackmailing, criminal intimidation, harassment, criminal defamation, and money laundering. They claim that Zafar utilized these funds through a shell company based in Abu Dhabi, raising concerns about financial misconduct within the film’s production process. This situation has escalated tensions between the parties involved and highlights the complexities of financial dealings in the film industry.
In a twist to the unfolding drama, Ali Abbas Zafar has countered with his own accusations against the Bhagnanis. He claims they owe him ₹7.30 crore for his directorial work on *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan* and has filed a complaint with the Directors’ Association seeking intervention. The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) has also stepped in, requesting an explanation from Vashu Bhagnani regarding the alleged unpaid dues. This back-and-forth has intensified scrutiny on both sides as they navigate their respective claims.
The film *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan*, which features Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff in lead roles, faced significant backlash upon its release in April this year. Despite high expectations, it was met with disappointment from both audiences and critics alike, grossing only around ₹100 crore against a budget of ₹350 crore. As Ali Abbas Zafar continues to seek success following his departure from Yash Raj Films (YRF), this controversy adds another layer of complexity to his career trajectory amidst ongoing financial disputes with the Bhagnanis.