Vashu Bhagnani and Netflix row: "the streaming platform is not cooperating in the investigation"- EOW

The Indian film industry has recently seen a heated controversy unfold between prominent producer Vashu Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment and streaming giant Netflix. The ongoing conflict revolves around three major films Hero No 1 (which is still under production), Mission Raniganj, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan with Bhagnani accusing Netflix of interfering with the rights to these films.

The issue came to light in April 2024, when Bhagnani filed an official complaint against Netflix. In addition to Netflix, Bhagnani named two other companies, Los Gatos Production Services India and Zoo Digital India, as well as several executives from these organizations, for allegedly conspiring against his films' rights. According to Bhagnani, the OTT platform “cheated and conspired” to deprive him of his rights, which resulted in significant financial losses.

A key aspect of the complaint is Bhagnani’s claim that Netflix owes him a sum of Rs 47.37 crore. However, Netflix has denied these allegations, maintaining that Pooja Entertainment actually owes them money. The streaming platform has publicly stated that they have a history of successful partnerships within the Indian creative sector and are committed to resolving the issue in cooperation with authorities.

Despite repeated summons from the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Netflix has yet to comply fully with the investigation. Senior Inspector Ravindra Avhad, who is leading the inquiry, mentioned that Netflix has failed to send senior officials like Monica Shergill, Head of Content at Netflix India, to cooperate. Instead, junior staff members have appeared in their place, delaying the process further.

Adding to the drama, another complaint was filed in September 2024, this time against director Ali Abbas Zafar by Bhagnani and his son, Jackky Bhagnani. The complaint accuses Zafar of siphoning off subsidy funds received from the Abu Dhabi authorities during the shooting of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. This complaint was lodged at Bandra Police Station, and further investigations into Zafar’s conduct are ongoing.

As this complex dispute continues to unfold, both parties stand firm in their positions, with no immediate resolution in sight.