The film industry has been abuzz with the recent controversy surrounding the movie ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ especially after its disappointing performance at the box office. The production house behind the film, Pooja Entertainment, has come under fire from several crew members, including the notable director Ali Abbas Zafar, for alleged non-payment and delayed payments. In the midst of these allegations, prominent producer Ramesh Taurani has come forward to support Vashu Bhagnani, the head of Pooja Entertainment, characterizing the controversy as merely a ‘misunderstanding.’
Accompanying the storm of claims from the crew is a photograph featuring Vashu Bhagnani and Ramesh Taurani, symbolizing the unified front presented by Taurani in defense of his colleague. Speaking with the Indian Express, Taurani expressed unequivocal support for Bhagnani and his production house, asserting, “Whatever happened will be cleared up and they will move forward. I don’t think he’s the kind of producer who would do something like this. He’s been around since 1995. I have never heard of him doing something like this with anyone’s money before. I think it’s a misunderstanding, and they’ll make sure it’s sorted out.”
A notable revelation came from actor Ronit Roy, who has been vocal about his experiences with Pooja Entertainment. Roy candidly shared that he received a significant portion of his acting fees for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ but this payment was facilitated only after intervention from Himanshu Mehra, whom he credits with resolving the financial issues. In an interview, Roy stated, “I’m lucky to have got a large part of my acting fees for my work on ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’. The money was supposed to come from Vashu Bhagnani and it came from Vashu Bhagnani, but that happened only after Himanshu Mehra intervened. And when it came to the dues of my staff and my security company that guarded the sets in Mumbai, it was all very much delayed and we got that also due to Himanshu Mehra.”
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also weighed in on the matter, declaring that Bhagnani owes substantial sums to the crew members of three of his films—’Mission Raniganj,’ ‘Ganapath,’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’ The federation has reportedly issued multiple reminders to the production house to clear these outstanding dues but to no avail. FWICE president B.N.
. Tewari and IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit are closely monitoring the situation, seeking resolution for the affected crew members.
Adding another layer to the already complex situation, Vashu Bhagnani has accused OTT platform Netflix of non-payment of dues related to undisclosed dealings. However, Netflix has categorically dismissed these accusations as unfounded, further complicating the narrative around Bhagnani and his production house.
Interestingly, this unfolding drama has cast a spotlight back on the film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ a project that initially failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film’s underperformance has been overshadowed by the financial disputes now making headlines. Taurani’s defense is seen by many as a critical strategic move, given Bhagnani’s long-standing reputation in the industry. He has been active since 1995 and has a history without such public financial controversies.
Highlighting the ongoing tension, the FWICE reiterated that despite the public shaming and multiple reminders, no payments have been made yet to the aggrieved parties. The situation has not only attracted widespread media coverage but also put Pooja Entertainment in a precarious position with regards to its industry reputation and relations with key stakeholders.
Ramesh Taurani’s recent statements have aimed at quelling the rising tides of discontent. As he puts it, “I think it’s a misunderstanding, and they’ll make sure it’s sorted out.” Whether Taurani’s reassurances will pacify the aggrieved crew members and mollify public opinion remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that the controversies surrounding ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ are far from over as stakeholders wait for a resolution.
The intricacies of the entertainment industry’s financial dealings have been laid bare through this episode, bringing into question the ethical practices of reputed organizations and individuals. As the situation continues to develop, the industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures fair treatment and payment to all workers involved.
In conclusion, the ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ debacle has not only shone a light on the financial inner workings of Bollywood production houses but also sparked a debate on accountability and transparency. While Taurani’s statements offer a glimmer of hope, the outcomes of ongoing investigations and settlements will ultimately determine if justice is served for those who have brought forth these serious allegations.
