Producer Vashu Bhagnani has accused Netflix India of allegedly defrauding him of ₹47.37 crore. In an interview with the Economic Times, the head of Pooja Entertainment claimed that he has not received the money he is owed, though Netflix has denied the allegation.
Vashu Bhagnani’s Accusation
As per the Economic Times, Vashu Bhagnani accused the OTT platform of “cheating and conspiring against the rights” of his three recent films—Hero No 1, Mission Raniganj, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. He lodged a complaint against Los Gatos Production Services India, through which Netflix manages its content investments in India, Zoo Digital India, and executives from both companies. The report also noted that Bhagnani has approached the Economic Offences Wing for investigation.
Netflix’s Response
In response, Netflix issued a statement refuting the claims, stating that it is, in fact, Pooja Entertainment that owes Netflix money. The platform described Bhagnani’s accusations as “completely unfounded” and emphasized their longstanding partnership with the Indian creative industry. Netflix added that they are working with authorities to resolve the matter and that a civil dispute had already been registered against Pooja Entertainment for non-payment.
Recent Controversies
Vashu Bhagnani has also been embroiled in other controversies, including a dispute with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan director Ali Abbas Zafar. Following the film’s failure, the crew accused Bhagnani of withholding their payments. Zafar himself claimed that the producer still owes him ₹7.30 crore. In turn, Vashu and his son, Jackky Bhagnani, who co-manages Pooja Entertainment, filed complaints against Zafar, alleging that he siphoned off ₹9.50 crore in subsidy funds from Abu Dhabi authorities during production. They also accused him of extortion, coercion, and defamation.
