Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and Wife Remain in Judicial Custody Amid Fresh Allegations
Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt continue to be held in judicial custody in connection with a high-profile Rs 30 crore cheating and criminal breach of trust case. The Rajasthan High Court recently declined their bail plea, allowing the investigation to proceed without interruption.
New Accusations Surface from Casting Director Parag Chadha
Amid this legal turmoil, fresh allegations have emerged against Vikram Bhatt from Parag Chadha, the casting director of Bhatt's 2023 horror film '1920: Horrors of the Heart'. Chadha took to Instagram to share a carousel post accompanied by a strongly worded note and screenshots of alleged conversations, directly accusing Vikram Bhatt of failing to clear the dues of the film's cast and crew.
In his social media post, Chadha specifically named Vikram Bhatt, director Krishna Bhatt, and the production house behind Avika Gor's horror drama. The casting director, who has previously worked on notable films like 'Ek Tha Tiger', 'Band Baaja Baaraat', and 'Rabba Main Kya Karoon', claimed that he has been chasing payments for years without receiving any substantial response.
Details of the Payment Dispute
"The film was released in June 2023, and we were assured that our casting fees would be paid after the release. We remained patient, trusting fully in stature of the filmmakers we were working with," Chadha wrote in his Instagram note.
Chadha further alleged that despite the film earning over Rs 20 crore at the box office and being declared a commercial success, the promised payments were never made to the cast and crew. "In February 2026, our entire payment still remains unsettled, the only response over the last few years has been 'we don't have funds'. Multiple cast and crew from the film remain UNPAID," the post added.
The casting director attached screenshots showing repeated follow-ups with Bhatt's team regarding the pending dues, highlighting what he describes as years of unfulfilled promises and financial neglect.
Background of the Judicial Custody Case
Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt were arrested by the Rajasthan Police in December 2025 from Mumbai and brought to Udaipur. They have remained in judicial custody since then following a complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre.
Murdia accused Bhatt, his wife, and others of cheating him of Rs 30 crore, allegedly taken under the guise of film production. This case forms the basis of their current judicial custody, with the Rajasthan High Court's recent bail rejection ensuring the investigation continues unimpeded.
Industry Implications and Broader Context
The dual controversies surrounding Vikram Bhatt highlight ongoing concerns about financial transparency and payment practices within the Indian film industry. The allegations from a seasoned professional like Parag Chadha, who has worked on major Bollywood productions, add significant weight to the discourse about timely compensation for film industry workers.
As the judicial process continues in the Rs 30 crore cheating case, these fresh allegations of unpaid dues create additional complications for the filmmaker's legal and professional standing. The situation underscores the importance of contractual obligations and financial accountability in entertainment production, particularly when multiple stakeholders are involved in film projects.
