Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani’s production house, Pooja Entertainment has been in troubled waters for a while now. The last few projects bankrolled by the banner emerged as box office failures. After crew members accused the company of non-payment of dues, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ director Ali Abbas Zafar sued the producer for non-payment of his fees of 7.30 crores. As the issue escalates, ‘Mission Raniganj’ director Tinu Desai also raised the same issue. Moreover, ‘Ganpat’ maker Vikas Bahl also claims non-payment of fees from Pooja Entertainment. The issue has now reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The institute has issued an official statement about the matter.
For those unaware, the production house’s ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ proved to be a failure at the box office. The Ali Abbas Zafar directorial project was developed with a budget of around 300 crores. Meanwhile, the box office collection was only about 102 crores. Reportedly, Vashu Bhagnani accumulated a debt of 250 crores including the withheld salaries. Reports also emerged that Vashu Bhagnani was selling his office space to clear the dues. However, Vashu Bhagnani said that the office space still belonged to him and was undergoing renovation. Now, the accusation has resurfaced and this time, filmmakers have levelled the non-payment allegations.
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FWICE’s statement against Vashu regarding the non-payment of dues reads, “There have been certain speculations going on in the media regarding non-payment of dues to the technicians, workers, artists, and vendor by Vashu Bhagnani – Producer of M/s. Pooja Entertainment. We would therefore like to make certain clarifications in the above regard. FWICE has received complaints from our various affiliated associations belonging to different crafts.”
Outlining the stakeholders in films backed by Pooja Entertainment’s claims, FWICE iterated that they are trying their best to settle the grievances. “Not only this, we have received complaints from the largest association of daily wage setting workers FSSAMU, regarding the non-payment of the dues of these poor daily wage workers. We have gone through all the contracts and come to the conclusion that our workers, technicians, artists, and vendors owe a huge amount of money which the said producer will have to pay. We are trying our best to sort out the above issues. And we hope that Vashu Bhagnani ji comes forward and clears all the payments which would be in the interest of all those who contribute to making the film as it’s their right to earn what they have worked for.”
With the fresh accusations, the question arises whether the production will clear the standing dues of the crew. Given that that matter is now with FWICE, it is anticipated that a resolution will follow.