'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' Director Ali Abbas Zafar Files Complaint Against Producer Vashu Bhagnani for Non-Payment of Rs 7.30 Crore Fees, Production House Breaks Silence
In a shocking turn of events, acclaimed director Ali Abbas Zafar has lodged a complaint against producer Vashu Bhagnani for the non-payment of his fees amounting to Rs 7.30 crore. The complaint was filed with the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), bringing to light financial disputes within the Bollywood industry.
Production House's Response
The production house associated with the film, Pooja Entertainment, has issued a statement addressing the allegations. The statement reads, "The dues claimed do not constitute a legitimate claim and are subject to various set-offs, as communicated to us by BMCM Films Ltd."
Background on Pooja Entertainment
Pooja Entertainment, one of the leading production houses in Bollywood, has produced numerous hit films over the years. However, their recent releases, including 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,' have not performed well at the box office. Despite this, the production house continues to be a significant player in the industry.
Vashu Bhagnani's Journey in Bollywood
Vashu Bhagnani, born in Kolkata, began his career in the construction business before venturing into film production. He made a mark with David Dhawan’s 1995 hit 'Coolie No. 1' and has since produced several successful films like 'Hero No. 1,' 'Biwi No. 1,' 'Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein,' and 'Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai.' His reported net worth is around Rs 2500 crore.
Financial Troubles and Future Plans
Reports have suggested that Bhagnani was in debt amounting to Rs 250 crore. However, earlier this year, he announced plans to sell his Juhu office in Mumbai and convert the building into a 16-storey residence named Pooja Luminaire. This project is expected to generate profits worth Rs 400 crore, potentially alleviating his financial burdens.
The Impact of Box Office Failures
The financial strain on Bhagnani's production house began with the release of 'Bell Bottom' in 2021, one of the first Hindi movies to hit theatres post the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's poor performance was followed by the failure of 'Mission Raniganj,' adding to the producer's woes.
Conclusion
The complaint by Ali Abbas Zafar against Vashu Bhagnani has shed light on the financial challenges faced by filmmakers and producers in Bollywood. As the industry grapples with post-pandemic recovery, such disputes highlight the need for transparency and prompt resolution of financial commitments. The unfolding situation remains a topic of keen interest within the entertainment sector.