Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt Denies Fraud Allegations Following Udaipur FIR

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has found himself embroiled in legal trouble after an FIR was registered against him in Udaipur, Rajasthan, over alleged fraud connected to a film project. The veteran director has vehemently denied all accusations, claiming that authorities are being misled by false information.

The case, currently under investigation at Bhupalpura police station, was filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia of Udaipur, who alleges that Bhatt’s production company failed to fulfill a contractual agreement to produce movies and documentaries meant as a tribute to Murdia’s late wife.

According to the complainant, he had entered into an agreement with Bhatt’s company that involved paying for the production of four movies. Dr. Murdia claims that the production house breached this contract by failing to produce the films as agreed, and that the two movies that were actually made lacked proper attribution. Additionally, he alleges that production never even began on the film with the highest budget allocation.

Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, stating that “action will be taken appropriately” once the probe is complete.

Bhatt, who has been a fixture in Bollywood for decades, expressed surprise upon learning of the FIR through a Rajasthan television channel and a journalist friend. “Now, to be honest, I feel that the Rajasthan Police is being misled,” Bhatt told ANI in response to the allegations.

The filmmaker questioned the authenticity of documents that may have been presented to authorities, suggesting possible forgery. “They say that out of greed for 200 crores, I made a scam of 30 crores. If they have reported this to the police, then surely they must have some documents or paperwork. Otherwise, the police don’t engage in such activities. So, if that is the case, then it is forged. It cannot be,” Bhatt explained.

Emphasizing his long-standing reputation in the Indian film industry, Bhatt expressed bewilderment at the accusations. “I have been in the industry for so many years. I had a conflict of interest with people. I had many good and bad relationships. But this has never happened. I do not understand what this means.”

According to reports, Bhatt intends to first seek proof from the complainant regarding the filed FIR before determining his next steps in addressing these allegations.

The case highlights the increasingly complex relationship between filmmakers and private financiers in India’s evolving film industry. As production costs continue to rise and alternative funding models emerge beyond traditional studio systems, disputes over contractual obligations have become more common in recent years.

Bhatt has been a significant figure in Bollywood since beginning his career at just 14 years old as an assistant to director Mukul Anand on “Kanoon Kya Karega.” His directorial breakthrough came with “Ghulam,” starring Aamir Khan, which established him as a commercial filmmaker.

After experiencing varying levels of commercial success, Bhatt pivoted to the horror genre in 2008, where he found his niche. His supernatural thrillers including “1920,” “Shaapit,” and “Haunted – 3D” have performed well commercially and continue to draw audiences on streaming platforms.

The film industry in Rajasthan has grown significantly in recent years, with many Bollywood productions using the state’s picturesque landscapes and historical architecture as backdrops. This growth has led to increased business relationships between local entrepreneurs and established industry figures from Mumbai.

As the investigation proceeds, the case could potentially impact production partnerships between independent financiers and established filmmakers, particularly in regional centers outside of Mumbai’s traditional film ecosystem.