Mumbai: Vashu Bhagnani Alleges ₹250 Crore Fraud by Netflix’s Head of Hindi Film Licensing

Mumbai: Indian film producer Vashu Bhagnani has alleged a ₹250 crore fraud by Netflix's Head of Hindi Film Licensing. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is currently investigating the case, and Vibha Chopra, the accused, has been questioned multiple times.

Vashu BhagnaniNetflixFraudEconomic Offences WingHindi Film LicensingReal Estate MumbaiOct 09, 2024

Mumbai: Vashu Bhagnani Alleges ₹250 Crore Fraud by Netflix’s Head of Hindi Film Licensing
Real Estate Mumbai:Mumbai Indian film producer Vashu Bhagnani has alleged a ₹250 crore fraud by Netflix’s Head of Hindi Film Licensing, Vibha Chopra. Bhagnani filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in April, and the EOW has been conducting a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

Bhagnani’s complaint alleges that Vibha Chopra, who has been serving as the Head of Hindi Film Licensing at Netflix since October 2023, has withheld his payments by making unauthorized amendments to their contract. According to the information provided by EOW officials, Bhagnani entered into a contract with Netflix in September 2022 to produce three films. However, certain modifications to the contract in 2022 led to the withholding of Bhagnani’s payments, amounting to ₹250 crore.

On September 7, Vibha Chopra recorded her statement with the EOW for 6 hours. The following day, on September 8, EOW officers questioned her again for around 3 hours. During her second interrogation, Chopra submitted soft copies of relevant documents. However, the investigation is ongoing, and EOW officials have stated that Chopra will be called for questioning again.

Vibha Chopra appeared before the EOW on Tuesday at 3 PM and left around 6 PM. During her statement, she claimed that she has been serving as the Head of Hindi Film Licensing at Netflix since October 2023. The EOW is currently conducting a detailed investigation to determine the validity of Bhagnani’s allegations and the nature of the alleged amendments to the contract.

This case has drawn significant attention within the Indian film industry, as it involves one of the largest streaming platforms and a prominent producer. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have implications for the future of film production and licensing agreements in the industry.

Information on Netflix
Netflix is a leading streaming entertainment service, offering a wide range of TV shows, documentaries, and films. The company has expanded its presence in India by investing in local content production and licensing. Netflix’s Head of Hindi Film Licensing, Vibha Chopra, plays a crucial role in overseeing the acquisition and licensing of Hindi films for the platform.

Information on Vashu Bhagnani
Vashu Bhagnani is a well-known Indian film producer and the founder of Pooja Entertainment. He has produced several successful films and has been a significant figure in the Indian film industry for over two decades. Bhagnani’s production house, Pooja Entertainment, has collaborated with various filmmakers and actors to create popular Hindi films.

The allegations of fraud have raised questions about the transparency and integrity of business practices in the film industry. As the investigation progresses, both Netflix and Bhagnani’s legal representatives are expected to provide more details and clarifications.

FAQs
1. What is the amount of the alleged fraud?
- The alleged fraud amount is ₹250 crore.

2. Who is Vashu Bhagnani?
- Vashu Bhagnani is an Indian film producer and the founder of Pooja Entertainment. He is known for producing several successful Hindi films.

3. Who is Vibha Chopra?
- Vibha Chopra is the Head of Hindi Film Licensing at Netflix, responsible for overseeing the acquisition and licensing of Hindi films for the platform.

4. When was the complaint filed?
- The complaint was filed with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in April 2023.

5. What is the current status of the investigation?
- The investigation is ongoing, and Vibha Chopra has been questioned multiple times. The EOW is conducting a detailed investigation to determine the validity of the allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the amount of the alleged fraud?

The alleged fraud amount is ₹250 crore.

Who is Vashu Bhagnani?

Vashu Bhagnani is an Indian film producer and the founder of Pooja Entertainment. He is known for producing several successful Hindi films.

Who is Vibha Chopra?

Vibha Chopra is the Head of Hindi Film Licensing at Netflix, responsible for overseeing the acquisition and licensing of Hindi films for the platform.

When was the complaint filed?

The complaint was filed with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in April 2023.

What is the current status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing, and Vibha Chopra has been questioned multiple times. The EOW is conducting a detailed investigation to determine the validity of the allegations.

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