Vashu Bhagnani claims Netflix India is allegedly ‘cheating’ him out of Rs 47.37 Crore; OTT platform denies allegations

In a surprising turn of events, producer Vashu Bhagnani has accused Netflix India of allegedly cheating him out of Rs 47.37 crore, a claim that the streaming giant vehemently denies. Speaking to the Economic Times, Bhagnani, the head of Pooja Entertainment, asserted that he has not received the payments he believes are owed for his three recent films: Hero No 1, Mission Raniganj, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. His allegations have led him to file a formal complaint against Los Gatos Production Services India, the entity through which Netflix manages its content investments in India, as well as against Zoo Digital India and executives from both firms.

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Bhagnani’s claims suggest a more extensive issue, as he alleges that Netflix has “cheated and conspired against the rights” associated with his films. He has reached out to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which has reportedly summoned the production services firm for questioning. Bhagnani's grievances add to a growing tension between established Bollywood producers and streaming platforms, raising questions about the financial dynamics in the rapidly evolving entertainment industry.

In response, Netflix has issued a statement that counters Bhagnani’s accusations. The OTT platform claims that the allegations are “completely unfounded” and asserts that it is, in fact, 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,” the statement read. Furthermore, a source close to the situation indicated that Netflix has even registered a civil dispute against Pooja Entertainment for non-payment.

This public feud is not Bhagnani’s only recent controversy. He has also been embroiled in a conflict with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan director Ali Abbas Zafar. Following the film’s underperformance at the box office, crew members accused Bhagnani of failing to pay their dues, with Zafar specifically alleging that he is owed Rs 7.30 crore for his work. In response to these accusations, Bhagnani and his son, Jackky Bhagnani, have filed a counter-complaint against Zafar. They allege that Zafar siphoned off Rs 9.50 crore in subsidy funds from Abu Dhabi authorities during the film’s production. The Bhanjanis have also filed complaints of extortion, coercion, and defamation against Zafar.