Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; January 16, 2015)

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta finds himself in the midst of a controversy with Eros International filing a complaint with the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) against him for alleged breach of agreement. It has claimed a recovery of Rs 18 crore for their co-production, Alibaug, citing that lead hero Sanjay Dutt was replaced in the film without its knowledge. The actor is currently serving prison time for illegal arms possession in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Gayatri Sardana, secretary of IFTPC, confirmed having received a claim complaint from Eros but refused to divulge any details of the case.

The complaint reads that Eros, in 2007, had paid Gupta’s company, White Feather Films, a total of Rs 7 crore, which has now gone up to Rs 18 crore. The co-production was signed under the banner of Shivam Videotech and a budget of Rs 12 crore was fixed with an additional Rs 1.5 crore for publicity.

The film was supposed to be wrapped up by 2008 with Sanjay Dutt in the lead. The actor was apparently the primary reason why Eros went ahead with the co-production. But since the actor was sentenced to jail that year, Gupta replaced him with Irrfan, in violation of the agreement. So, Eros has filed a complaint to recover the investment.

While Eros refrained from commenting on the issue, Gupta says, “The matter is sub judice since the last few years and talking about it will amount to contempt of court.”