Vashu Bhagnani’s production company Pooja Entertainment has once again found itself in the spotlight, this time accusing streaming giant Netflix of financial misconduct. After previously accusing director Ali Abbas Zafar of fund misappropriation, the production house has now filed a lawsuit against Netflix and others involved in the film distribution process.
Pooja Entertainment alleges Netflix of non-payment of dues
Bhagnani has alleged that Netflix failed to fulfill its payment obligations after the completion and release of three films produced by Pooja Entertainment: ‘Hero No 1’, ‘Mission Raniganj’, and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’. According to Bhagnani, the streaming platform owes him INR 47.37 crore for the subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) rights to these films.
The lawsuit extends beyond Netflix, naming Los Gatos Production Services India, through which Netflix manages its content investments in the country, as well as Zoo Digital India, a company responsible for subtitling, dubbing, and media localization services. Additionally, 10 executives from these companies have also been implicated.
Netflix reacts to the allegations
Netflix has strongly denied the claims. In an official statement, a Netflix spokesperson said, “These claims are completely unfounded. Indeed, it’s Pooja Entertainment that owes Netflix money. We have a strong track record of partnership with the Indian creative community and are working with the authorities to resolve this dispute.”
Vashu Bhagnani also accused Ali Abbas Zafar
This legal battle follows an earlier controversy where Bhagnani accused director Ali Abbas Zafar of misusing subsidies granted by Abu Dhabi authorities during the filming of ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’. The film, which was both a critical and commercial failure, has been mired in controversy, and Zafar has yet to respond to these accusations.
Pooja Entertainment itself has faced multiple allegations, particularly surrounding non-payment to lower-level crew members on ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, including the stunt and lighting teams.
Also read: Vashu Bhagnani Says Akshay Kumar Was The First One To Call After Pooja Entertainment Loss Reports