Pooja Entertainment, led by producers Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, has been navigating a difficult phase following a series of box- office disappointments. The latest, however, is the complex web of financial controversies involving the production house in an ugly legal tussle with streaming giant, Netflix. Bhagnani has sued Netflix for cheating and non-payment of dues to the tune of nearly Rs. 47.37 crore. 

Even as Netflix issued a denial and claimed that it is Pooja Entertainment that owes them money, the case, now under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing, seems to be stacked in the favour of Bhagnanis, owing apparently to non-cooperation from Netflix India.

Speaking exclusively to HT City, the investigating officer on the case, Senior Inspector Ravindra Avhad, says, “This amount of Rs. 47.37 crore is what Netflix owes to the complainant, Vashu Bhagnani. But Netflix is not cooperating. We sent them two summonses, but they are not appearing. 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 nahin. Lower level ke staff ko bhej dete hain statement ke liye, but it is Monika Shergill (Content Head, Netflix India) who should appear.”

When asked about Netflix’s counterclaim on Bhagnanis as per their media statement (see bottom right box), he adds, “I am not aware about what statement Netflix has issued, but aisa kuchh nahin hai.”

When we contacted Netflix, they responded with the same media statement given out earlier (see bottom right box). Meanwhile, Vashu Bhagnani, says, “We registered the case against Netflix in April. We have full faith in the EOW to resolve the matter.”

The Context

Vashu Bhagnani, in his complaint filed in April 2024, claimed that Netflix ‘conspired against the rights’ of his three films: Hero No 1 (yet to be fully shot), Mission Raniganj and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. He filed a complaint against Los Gatos Production Services India, through which Netflix reports its content investments in India, Zoo Digital India and against executives of both companies. Netflix, in its response, issued a spokesperson statement on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a source privy to the developments in the case tells us on condition of anonymity, “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 Chhote Miyan) has taken over Rs. 14 crore 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 in order to do it.”

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We registered the case against Netflix in April. We have full faith in the EOW to resolve the matter.

- Vashu Bhagnani, producer

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“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,” Netflix spokesperson said.