Mumbai EOW probing Netflix for allegedly 'cheating' producer Vashu Bhagnani

According to reports, Bhagnani claims that while he granted Netflix the rights to these films, he has not received the payment of Rs 47.37 crore owed to him.

By  Storyboard18Sep 25, 2024 7:05 PM
Mumbai EOW probing Netflix for allegedly 'cheating' producer Vashu Bhagnani
The EOW has summoned executives from Los Gatos Production Services India for questioning and is conducting a thorough investigation.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is reportedly investigating a complaint filed by film producer Vashu Bhagnani against Netflix and its partners. Bhagnani alleges that he was cheated concerning the rights to three films.

According to reports, Bhagnani claims that while he granted Netflix the rights to these films, he has not received the payment of Rs 47.37 crore owed to him. However, another source suggests the total amount in question is Rs 70 crore.

The complaint, which names Los Gatos Production Services India, Zoo Digital India, and several executives from both companies, focuses on the streaming video on demand (SVOD) rights for the films "Hero No. 1," "Mission Raniganj," and "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan." Bhagnani contends that despite giving Netflix the rights to these films, he has yet to receive the Rs 47.37 crore in payments.

Additionally, Bhagnani claims that his company, Pooja Entertainment, was pressured into renegotiating the terms of the deal and was forced to deliver one of the films to Zoo Digital India. He alleges that the film was leaked online before its theatrical release, causing significant financial and reputational harm.

Netflix has strongly denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the company said, "These claims are completely unfounded. In fact, it is Pooja Entertainment that owes money to Netflix." The spokesperson added, "We have a strong track record of partnering with the Indian creative community and are cooperating with the authorities to resolve this dispute."

The EOW has summoned executives from Los Gatos Production Services India for questioning and is conducting a thorough investigation. Based on the findings, the police may decide to escalate the preliminary inquiry into a formal first information report (FIR).

First Published on Sep 25, 2024 7:05 PM

More from Storyboard18

Quantum Brief

Prasar Bharati extends deadline for OTT platform’s marketing agency bid submission

Prasar Bharati extends deadline for OTT platform’s marketing agency bid submission

Quantum Brief

Adobe expands partnership with ethical hackers for safe AI

Adobe expands partnership with ethical hackers for safe AI

Digital

Fad to full-time: HCLTech seeks marketing leader specialising in AI

Fad to full-time: HCLTech seeks marketing leader specialising in AI

How it Works

LS Elections 2024: Rs 100 crore invested in AI integration in political campaigns

LS Elections 2024: Rs 100 crore invested in AI integration in political campaigns

Brand Marketing

Personalisation in e-commerce goes beyond merely addressing customers by name: FreshToHome’s Jayesh Jose


Personalisation in e-commerce goes beyond merely addressing customers by name: FreshToHome’s Jayesh Jose


Advertising

MAdtech Point: The truth behind the delay in the deprecation of cookies from Google

MAdtech Point: The truth behind the delay in the deprecation of cookies from Google

Brand Marketing

India third-largest market for podcast listeners globally; yet only 12 percent Indians currently engaged

India third-largest market for podcast listeners globally; yet only 12 percent Indians currently engaged

Digital

OpenAI to use Financial Times content to train AI models in latest media partnership

OpenAI to use Financial Times content to train AI models in latest media partnership