In a significant legal development, renowned film producer Vashu Bhagnani has scored a crucial victory as the Hon’ble Sessions Court in Mumbai upheld the validity of an FIR filed against director Ali Abbas Zafar. The FIR, filed on December 8, 2024, accuses Zafar, co-producer Himanshu Mehra, and finance head Ekesh Randive of financial fraud, including inflating production costs and misappropriating funds during the making of the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
The FIR follows a directive from the Bandra Court on December 2, 2024, based on a complaint filed by BMCM Films Limited, Bhagnani’s production company. The complaint alleges that the accused conspired to inflate the production budget, which was initially set at ₹125 crore and later increased to ₹154 crore. The fraud involves the forging of invoices, misappropriation of funds, and breaching of contractual agreements. Among the most serious allegations is the misuse of an Abu Dhabi government rebate meant for production expenses.
The accused face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy (Section 120B), cheating (Section 420), criminal breach of trust (Section 406), and forgery (Sections 464, 468, 471).
The Bandra Police have now initiated a full-scale investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. Bhagnani’s legal victory is seen as a significant step toward holding the accused accountable for their actions and ensuring greater transparency in the film industry’s financial dealings.
As the investigation progresses, the case has already sparked considerable attention, with many in the film industry watching closely. For Bhagnani, this legal battle is not just about recovering misappropriated funds but also about setting a precedent for ethical business practices in Bollywood. With further legal proceedings expected, this case could have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry.