Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji denies ₹30 lakh unpaid dues on 'Bhooth Bangla'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Producer Ektaa Kapoor's studio Balaji Telefilms Limited on Friday formally denied allegations that the makers of the recently released film 'Bhooth Bangla' had failed to clear vendor payments totalling nearly ₹30 lakh. The production house issued an official statement asserting that all contractual obligations had been fulfilled and no dues remained outstanding.
The allegations
Multiple vendors engaged on the Akshay Kumar-led film had alleged non-payment of dues, according to media reports that surfaced earlier in the week. The claims centred on pending payments for services rendered during production and post-production phases.
Balaji's response
Balaji Telefilms Limited stated: "The Company has fulfilled all its contractual payment obligations for the film 'Bhooth Bangla' and there are no unpaid contractual dues nor is anything further due and payable to any vendors engaged by the company for this film for any services rendered by them." The studio further asserted that it maintains high standards of corporate governance and holds all partners and vendors in high regard.
About the film
'Bhooth Bangla' released last month with an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, Asrani, and Mithila Palkar. The film was presented by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films and directed by Priyadarshan, marking a reunion between the filmmaker and Akshay Kumar. It was produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor.
Industry context
Payment disputes between production houses and vendors have surfaced periodically in Hindi cinema, though formal denials are typically followed by either resolution or further claims from the affected parties. The outcome of this dispute may emerge in coming weeks as vendors assess the studio's statement.