Vikram Bhatt Confronts New Allegations Over Unsettled 1920 Film Payments
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, currently incarcerated in a high-profile cheating case, is embroiled in fresh controversy as casting director Parag Chadha has publicly accused him of failing to clear dues for the cast and crew of the 2023 horror film 1920: Horrors of the Heart. This development adds another layer to Bhatt's ongoing legal and financial troubles, which have kept him and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, in judicial custody since December 2025.
Allegations of Unpaid Dues Surface on Social Media
Parag Chadha, a respected casting director known for his work on films like Ek Tha Tiger and Band Baaja Baaraat, took to Instagram to voice his grievances. In a detailed post accompanied by chat screenshots, Chadha explicitly named Vikram Bhatt, director Krishna Bhatt, and the production house involved in the film. He alleged that despite repeated requests over several years, the payments for casting fees have remained unsettled, with the only response from the team being a lack of funds.
Chadha's post highlighted the timeline of the issue, noting that the film was released in June 2023, and assurances were given that dues would be cleared post-release. Even after the film earned over Rs 20 crore at the box office, marking it as a commercial success, the payments were not made. As of February 2026, Chadha claims that multiple cast and crew members from 1920: Horrors of the Heart remain unpaid, underscoring a persistent problem within the production.
Background of Vikram Bhatt's Legal Woes
Vikram Bhatt and his wife have been in jail since their arrest by the Rajasthan Police in December 2025, following a complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre. The case involves allegations of cheating and criminal breach of trust amounting to Rs 30 crore, with funds allegedly taken under the pretext of film production. The Rajasthan High Court recently denied them bail, allowing the investigation to proceed, which has kept them behind bars amid these new allegations.
This situation has drawn significant attention in Bollywood circles, as it raises questions about financial accountability and transparency in the film industry. The fresh claims from Chadha not only add to Bhatt's legal burdens but also spotlight broader issues of payment delays affecting professionals in cinema.
Impact on the Film Industry and Public Perception
The allegations have sparked discussions on social media and among industry insiders, with many expressing concern over the treatment of cast and crew in high-profile projects. Chadha's public outcry serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by behind-the-scenes workers in securing timely payments, even from established filmmakers.
As the investigation into the cheating case continues, these new accusations could influence public perception and potentially affect future collaborations in Bollywood. The case underscores the importance of ethical practices in film production, especially as it involves multiple stakeholders from actors to technical staff.
In summary, Vikram Bhatt's legal troubles have intensified with Parag Chadha's allegations of unpaid dues for 1920: Horrors of the Heart, highlighting ongoing financial disputes in the entertainment sector. With Bhatt remaining in custody, the resolution of these claims remains uncertain, casting a shadow over his career and the broader industry's payment norms.
