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

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).