The troubles for producer Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment continue to mount. Director Ali Abbas Zafar has now accused Bhagnani of failing to pay him Rs 7.30 crore for the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which starred Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Despite its massive Rs 350 crore budget, the film grossed less than Rs 100 crore globally, leaving the production house and others involved in financial distress. Zafar has reportedly filed a complaint with the Directors’ Association, leading the group to seek assistance from the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE).
In response, Pooja Entertainment has denied Zafar’s allegations, stating that the amount in question is disputed and subject to various offsets, as clarified by BMCM Films Ltd. Zafar, however, has chosen not to comment publicly, fearing it could further delay his payment. FWICE President BN Tiwari also revealed that Pooja Entertainment owes over Rs 65 lakh to crew members across three films: Mission Raniganj, Ganapath, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. To manage a significant Rs 250 crore debt, Bhagnani has reportedly sold the lavish seven-storey Pooja Entertainment office in Mumbai and laid off 80% of his staff. Meanwhile, Ali Abbas Zafar has returned to Yash Raj Films and is expected to direct Pathaan 2 with Shah Rukh Khan.
