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.

Related News Articles

MahaRERA's New Portal MahaCRITI Sees Over 2,700 Users, Offers Updates and Training
Real Estate Maharashtra

MahaRERA's New Portal MahaCRITI Sees Over 2,700 Users, Offers Updates and Training

MahaRERA's new website MahaCRITI has been accessed by over 2,700 users, with 581 promoters updating their information and 8 new projects registered.

September 4, 2024
Read Article
Elderly Lawyer Duped of Rs 6 Lakh by 'London Woman' on WhatsApp
real estate news

Elderly Lawyer Duped of Rs 6 Lakh by 'London Woman' on WhatsApp

The elderly lawyer was conned of Rs 6 lakh by a woman who claimed to be from London and messaged him on WhatsApp. She told him that she had a real estate business and also traded in gold.

November 3, 2024
Read Article
Pune Real Estate: Tribeca Developers Launches 8 Lakh Sq Ft Mixed-Use Project
Real Estate Pune

Pune Real Estate: Tribeca Developers Launches 8 Lakh Sq Ft Mixed-Use Project

Tribeca Developers is set to introduce a mixed-use real estate project in Pune, featuring luxurious apartments and retail spaces.

February 13, 2025
Read Article
Adani Group's Mega Projects in Mumbai Face Environmental Scrutiny
Real Estate Mumbai

Adani Group's Mega Projects in Mumbai Face Environmental Scrutiny

Adani Group is pushing forward with two major projects in Mumbai, one of the world's most expensive real estate markets, amid environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles.

March 21, 2025
Read Article
Small Developers Struggle as India's Luxury Real Estate Market Surges
Real Estate Pune

Small Developers Struggle as India's Luxury Real Estate Market Surges

In the midst of a booming luxury real estate market in India, small developers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with larger players. This trend is particularly noticeable in major cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Thane, Navi

March 25, 2025
Read Article
Why Ultra-Rich Investors Prefer Commercial Real Estate
Real Estate

Why Ultra-Rich Investors Prefer Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate has emerged as a favorite among ultra-high-net-worth individuals (Ultra-HNIs) due to its potential for higher yields. On average, it makes up 29% of their investment portfolios, following equities.

March 26, 2025
Read Article