Director Ali Abbas Zafar Takes Legal Action Against Producer Vashu Bhagnani Over ₹7.30 Crore Payment Dispute

Bollywood director Ali Abbas Zafar filed a formal complaint against producer Vashu Bhagnani for failing to pay his directing fees of ₹7.30 crores for the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The situation has escalated into a significant dispute within the Indian film industry, as multiple parties are now involved in the allegations of non-payment and mismanagement of funds.

Zafar’s complaint was lodged with the Directors’ Association, which subsequently escalated the matter to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). This move comes after Zafar expressed his frustrations about not receiving his dues for directing the action-comedy film, which starred prominent actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The film, released on April 11, 2024, was met with poor box office performance, grossing only ₹59.17 crores against a hefty production budget of approximately ₹350 crores.

Allegations Against Vashu Bhagnani

The conflict has deepened as Bhagnani and his production company, Pooja Entertainment, have been accused of serious financial misconduct. Reports indicate that Bhagnani has filed a counter-complaint against Zafar, alleging that he misappropriated funds during the film’s production. The accusations include fraud, theft, and cheating, alongside claims that Zafar inflated budgets and fabricated invoices to siphon off funds from the production.

In a statement from Pooja Entertainment, Bhagnani’s team denied Zafar’s claims, asserting that the amount demanded does not represent a valid debt. They argue that various deductions were communicated to Zafar through BMCM Films Ltd., the production company behind Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The ongoing back-and-forth between Zafar and Bhagnani has drawn significant attention within the industry.

Wider Implications for Pooja Entertainment

This dispute is not an isolated incident. Reports have surfaced indicating that Pooja Entertainment is facing financial turmoil. The company allegedly owes over ₹65 lakh to various crew members involved in multiple projects, including Mission Raniganj and Ganapath. In June 2024, it was reported that Bhagnani had sold his seven-story office in Mumbai to address a massive debt estimated at ₹250 crores. Furthermore, there have been claims from crew members about delayed payments and difficulties in securing their dues from the production house.

The FWICE has intervened in this matter by issuing statements urging Bhagnani to clear outstanding payments to workers, technicians, artists, and vendors associated with his films. The organization emphasized that it has received numerous complaints regarding non-payment from various stakeholders within the industry.

Industry Reactions

The ongoing disputes have sparked reactions from various industry figures. FWICE President BN Tiwari highlighted the severity of the situation and expressed hope that Bhagnani would take responsibility for settling all outstanding dues. Additionally, director Tinu Desai, known for his work on Mission Raniganj, has also filed complaints against Bhagnani for unpaid fees related to his projects.

In light of these developments, many in the industry are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The financial instability surrounding Pooja Entertainment may have broader implications for future projects and collaborations within Bollywood.

Background on Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

Released on April 11, 2024, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is a sequel to the 1998 hit of the same name. The film follows two elite soldiers, Freddy (Akshay Kumar) and Rocky (Tiger Shroff), who are enlisted to thwart a masked villain threatening India’s security. The plot unfolds with a series of action-packed sequences as they race against time to save their country from an imminent attack orchestrated by a vengeful scientist.The film was produced by Pooja Entertainment and features a budget of approximately ₹350 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Despite its grand scale and star-studded cast, the film has faced criticism for its screenplay and execution. Critics have described it as chaotic, with an over-reliance on action sequences that lack depth.

Cast and Crew Details

• Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
• Producers: Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh
• Main Cast:
  • Akshay Kumar as Freddy
  • Tiger Shroff as Rocky
  • Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kabir
  • Sonakshi Sinha in a special appearance
  • Manushi Chhillar as Captain Misha
  • Alaya F as Paminder “Pam” Bawa

Movie Review Ratings

The film has received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. It currently holds a rating of 4.1/10 on IMDb and has been described as “infuriatingly fatuous” by several reviewers. Critics have pointed out that while the action sequences are plentiful, they often lack coherence and emotional engagement.

Box Office Performance

Despite its high budget and marketing efforts, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan underperformed at the box office. Within its opening weekend, it grossed approximately $689,505 in North America and around ₹2.63 crore worldwide. The film’s disappointing box office performance has further fueled discussions surrounding its production costs and Zafar’s complaint.

Soundtrack List

The soundtrack for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was composed by Vishal Mishra and Julius Packiam. While some tracks have found favor with audiences, overall reception has been lukewarm compared to previous works by the composers.

Filming Locations

Filming took place in various locations including:

• Mumbai
• Scotland
• London
• Abu Dhabi
• Jordan

These diverse settings were intended to enhance the film’s global appeal but have not significantly contributed to its critical success.

Themes and Symbolism

The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice through its characters’ journeys. However, critics argue that these themes are overshadowed by an overwhelming focus on action rather than character development.

Audience Reactions

Audience reactions have mirrored critical responses, with many viewers expressing disappointment over the film’s execution despite high expectations due to its star cast. Social media buzz indicates a mix of admiration for the leads’ performances but frustration with the overall narrative quality.