On September 24, 2024, Bollywood producer Vashu Bhagnani, along with his son Jackky Bhagnani, escalated an ongoing legal conflict with director Ali Abbas Zafar by filing an official complaint. The dispute centers around the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which starred Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff and was released earlier this year. Despite the high expectations, the film failed to perform at the box office, grossing only ₹59 crore against a ₹350 crore budget. However, the failure of the film isn’t the only controversy surrounding it. The Bhagnanis have accused Zafar of financial mismanagement and misappropriation of funds received as a subsidy during filming in Abu Dhabi.
The Allegations: Financial Misconduct
According to the Bhagnanis’ complaint, which was filed at the Bandra Police Station, Zafar allegedly siphoned off funds intended for the film’s production. The producer duo claim that Zafar used a shell company in Abu Dhabi to divert the subsidy provided by local authorities during the shooting. The legal document details charges of fraud, cheating, and misappropriation, along with criminal breach of trust and defamation. The Bhagnanis’ team has called for a full investigation, citing the lack of transparency in the financial dealings of the film’s production.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar’s Counter Allegations
In response, Ali Abbas Zafar has accused the Bhagnanis of withholding payment. He filed a complaint with the Directors’ Association, claiming that Pooja Entertainment, owned by the Bhagnanis, owes him ₹7.3 crore as part of his directorial fee for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Zafar’s case was taken up by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which sought clarification from the Bhagnanis regarding these claims.
FWICE and Industry Response
FWICE President B.N. Tiwari confirmed the involvement of the union in addressing the claims from Zafar, as well as other disputes involving Pooja Entertainment. The Bhagnanis have been accused of delaying payments in previous productions, including Mission Raniganj and Ganapath. While FWICE has been attempting to mediate the matter, they have yet to receive satisfactory financial records from Pooja Entertainment to justify the non-payment.
Fallout from the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Failure
This legal dispute comes on the heels of the critical and commercial failure of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Released in April 2024, the film was positioned as a major blockbuster, but it failed to meet box office expectations. The Bhagnanis have expressed frustration over Zafar’s handling of the film, both creatively and financially. Reports suggest that the film’s ballooning budget, coupled with its underperformance, has led to significant financial stress for Pooja Entertainment.
What’s Next?
As the conflict escalates, industry insiders are closely watching how this case unfolds. The involvement of major industry bodies like FWICE and the Directors’ Association suggests that this legal battle may have wider ramifications for how Bollywood production houses and directors handle financial matters. Both sides are expected to present further evidence in the coming weeks, as efforts to resolve the dispute continue.
In the meantime, Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani remain committed to clearing their names, while Ali Abbas Zafar seeks to recover his claimed dues. Given the scale of the accusations and the involvement of high-profile figures, this case could set a significant precedent in Bollywood’s financial and legal landscape.
