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Pooja Entertainment led by producer Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani, has been facing a challenging period following a series of underperforming films at the box office. However, the latest controversy involving the production house is a bitter legal battle with Netflix. Bhagnani has filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant, claiming that Netflix cheated and failed to pay dues amounting to nearly ₹47.37 crores.
Senior Inspector Ravindra Avhad on Netflix statement
Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times, the investigating officer on the case is Senior Inspector Ravindra Avhad. He said, “This amount of ₹47.37 crores is what Netflix owes to the complainant Vashu Bhagnani. But Netflix is not cooperating. We sent them two summons, but they did not appear. They haven’t replied to the letter sent to them by us. Bhagnanis came to us in April, we recorded their statements and collected the required documents. Netflix asked for some time, but aaye hi nahi. Lower level ke staff ko bhej dete hain statement ke liye. But it is Monica Shergill, Content Head, Netflix India who should appear.”
When asked about Netflix’s counterclaim on Bhagnanis as per their media statement. He adds, “I am not aware of what statement Netflix has issued, but aisa kuchh nahi hai.”
Netflix’s statement
Netflix shared the same media statement with Hindustan Times when they reached out to them. The statement reads, “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’s statement
Vashu Bhagnani said, “We registered the case against Netflix in April. We have full faith in the EOW to resolve the matter.”
In this legal battle, a source close to the Bhagnanis disclosed that the veteran producers feel let down by the industry. “Bhagnanis have been in the industry for over 40 years, and right now they feel the entire industry is not supporting them through their rough patch. While they have suffered heavy losses, their last film’s director (Ali Abbas Zafar; Bade Miyan Chote Miyan) has taken over 14 crores of their money, for which they have lodged a police complaint. They are willing to repay everyone’s pending dues, at least they should get their dues first to do it,” the source stated.
With the case ongoing, it remains to be seen how this legal tussle will unfold, but it certainly marks a challenging period for Pooja Entertainment and its long-standing position in the Indian film industry.
