Vashu Bhagnani and his son, Jackky Bhagnani, of Pooja Entertainment, have taken a legal stand against filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar. The complaint, filed on September 3, alleges that Zafar misappropriated approximately Rs 9.50 crore in subsidy funds that he received from Abu Dhabi authorities during the shooting of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The complaint outlines serious charges, including coercion, criminal breach of trust, extortion, blackmailing, criminal intimidation, harassment, criminal defamation, and money laundering.
Details of the Complaint
The Bhagnanis claim that Zafar utilized these funds through a shell company based in Abu Dhabi, raising concerns about financial transparency and legality. The Bandra Police in Mumbai are expected to summon Zafar for questioning as part of their investigation into these allegations.
Counterclaims by Ali Abbas Zafar
In a twist, Ali Abbas Zafar has filed his own complaint against the Bhagnanis, alleging that they owe him Rs 7.30 crore as his directorial fee for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Reports indicate that Zafar has sought intervention from the Directors’ Association, highlighting a growing rift between the parties involved. The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) has also reached out to Vashu Bhagnani for clarification regarding these unpaid dues.
Pooja Entertainment’s Response
Pooja Entertainment has vehemently denied Zafar’s claims. In a statement, the company asserted that the dues cited by Zafar do not constitute a legitimate claim, citing various set-offs that have been communicated to BMCM Films Ltd. Additionally, FWICE has requested Zafar to provide proof of his claims concerning unpaid dues.
Background on Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
The original Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, directed by David Dhawan and featuring iconic actors Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda, was released in 1998 and remains a beloved classic in Indian cinema. The recent remake, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, was met with disappointment from both audiences and critics upon its release in April 2023. This negative reception has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing disputes surrounding the film.
Ali Abbas Zafar’s Career Status
Since parting ways with Yash Raj Films (YRF), Ali Abbas Zafar has struggled to deliver a successful project. The controversies related to Bade Miyan Chote Miyan may further impact his reputation and future projects in the industry.