Producer Vashu Bhagnani owes ₹65 Lakhs to Akshay Kumar starrer Mission Raniganj director, claims FWICE

Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani reportedly owes over ₹65 lakh to crew members who worked on three of his films, as reported by PTI. According to Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari, these films include “Mission Raniganj,” “Ganapath,” and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.”

Tiwari mentioned that Bhagnani’s company, Pooja Entertainment, owes ₹33.13 lakh to Tinu Desai, the director of the 2023 film ‘Mission Raniganj’, which starred Akshay Kumar. The production house also owes ₹31.78 lakh to over 250 set workers who worked on Mission Raniganj,Tiger Shroff’s Ganpath (2023), and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.

FWICE president’s claims Vashu Bhagnani owes money to many

“A written complaint was filed by the director of Mission Raniganj regarding non-payment of his dues of ₹33.13 lakh from Vashu Bhagnani last year in March. We’ve been following up with Pooja Entertainment but still they haven’t made the payment. They have said by July end they will clear the dues,” the FWICE president told PTI.

In a complaint filed on March 19, 2023, to the Indian Film & Television Director’s Association (IFTDA), Desai stated he worked on Mission Raniganj from February 2022 to October 6, 2023 (the release date of the film). According to the report, the contract amount was ₹40,350,000, but he has only received ₹37,036,092 so far.

The FWICE President noted that IFTDA has sent multiple letters to Pooja Entertainment, but the payment has been repeatedly delayed. In February, the company sought “time to pay, citing Jackky Bhagnani’s wedding via an email dated February 20, 2024, to IFTDA.” However, there was no further response.

After FWICE sent a letter in March, “they again sought time to make the payment saying they would do so after the release of their film, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.” But this did not happen.

FWICE president takes a stand

“This is unfair what they are doing, they are leading a luxurious life, and when it comes to paying the dues they are making excuses. In their latest email, they have said they will clear the dues by July end but if they don’t do so then our workers will not work on any of their films,” the FWICE president added.

About 200 to 250 workers who are part of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union are still awaiting payment of ₹3,178,327 from Pooja Entertainment, claimed union leader Rakesh Maurya. The union has about 48,000 daily wage workers in various departments such as set department, lightmen, and spot boys.

FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey told PTI that despite the release of “Mission Raniganj,” “Ganapath,” and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” workers’ payments are still pending. Last week, several crew members accused Pooja Entertainment of non-payment of dues and laying off most of its staff.

In a media statement, Bhagnani stated that those claiming Pooja Entertainment has not cleared their dues should engage in a conversation with the banner.

Pooja Entertainment has previously produced hits like Coolie No 1, Hero No. 1, Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda’s Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Kucch Kehna Hai, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Om Jai Jagadish, and Shaadi No 1. However, their recent releases have not performed well at the box office.

Also Read: Producer Vashu Bhagnani reacts to claims of selling office to pay debts, says, “It belongs to me even now”