Mumbai: Even as Bhooth Bangla continues its impressive run at the box office, fresh allegations of unpaid dues against its production house have surfaced, raising concerns about financial practices within the film industry. The horror-comedy, backed by Ekta Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures, has reportedly grossed over Rs 211 crore worldwide since its release on April 17.
The controversy comes at a time when the film is being widely celebrated as a major commercial success. However, claims by vendors about pending payments amounting to Rs 48 lakh have cast a shadow over the achievement.
Vendors allege unpaid dues despite film’s success
According to reports, multiple vendors associated with the film have alleged that their payments remain unsettled. One vendor reportedly claimed that dues worth Rs 30 lakh are still pending, while another alleged unpaid payments of Rs 18 lakh.
These claims have sparked renewed debate over delayed payments in the entertainment industry, especially when films achieve significant box office success.
Vendors cited in the report stated that recovering dues has become increasingly difficult once a film is released. They alleged that the earlier industry practice of clearing invoices within 90 days is no longer consistently followed.
One vendor further claimed that lead actors and key members of the production team are typically prioritised for payments, leaving smaller vendors and service providers waiting for extended periods.
Balaji Motion Pictures denies allegations
Responding to the accusations, Balaji Motion Pictures issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The production house asserted that it has honoured all contractual obligations.
“Balaji Telefilms Limited has fulfilled all its contractual payment obligations in relation to various projects undertaken by the company,” the statement read.
Despite the denial, the allegations have drawn attention to a recurring issue in the industry, where disputes over payments often surface after a film’s release.
Ekta Kapoor celebrates film’s success
Amid the controversy, producer Ekta Kapoor took to social media to celebrate the success of Bhooth Bangla. She expressed gratitude to the cast and crew, praising lead actor Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan.
Kapoor described the film as the “biggest hit of her career” and credited Priyadarshan for delivering a commercially successful project. The film’s strong box office performance has reinforced its position as one of the notable releases of the year.
Industry-wide issue of delayed payments resurfaces
The issue of unpaid dues is not limited to Bhooth Bangla. Similar concerns have recently emerged in connection with other film projects.
In a separate incident, second camera operator Nikhil Pai publicly raised concerns about pending payments related to Tu Yaa Main. He tagged the production house on social media, requesting clearance of overdue invoices and highlighting communication gaps.
Sources from the production side reportedly stated that payment delays can occur due to the complex nature of film financing and the large number of crew members involved. They claimed that partial payments had already been made and the remaining dues were in process.
Previous disputes highlight growing concerns
The conversation around delayed payments had earlier intensified following disputes linked to Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Director Ali Abbas Zafar had accused producer Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment of non-payment amounting to Rs 7.30 crore.
The matter reportedly reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which also received complaints from several actors and crew members. Reports indicated that around Rs 65 lakh in payments to crew members remained unsettled.
While the production house denied certain allegations and cited contractual complexities, the situation highlighted the financial strain faced by industry workers. Some reports suggested that delays in payments had led to severe hardships, including difficulties in managing medical expenses and household finances.
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding Bhooth Bangla underline a persistent issue in the film industry, where financial disputes continue to emerge despite commercial success. While production houses maintain that they adhere to contractual obligations, vendors and crew members often report delays that affect their livelihoods.
As the industry grows in scale and revenue, calls for greater transparency and timely payment practices are becoming louder. Addressing these concerns may be crucial in ensuring sustainability and fairness for all stakeholders involved in film production.