Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been thrust into a major controversy following an FIR filed against him and seven others, including his wife Shwetambari Bhatt, for allegedly defrauding Indira IVF founder Dr. Ajay Murdia of over ₹30 crore. The complaint, lodged on November 16, 2025, at Bhupalpura police station in Udaipur, Rajasthan, accuses Bhatt and his associates of luring Murdia into investing in a biopic project honoring his late wife, promising massive profits of around ₹200 crore. According to the FIR, the funds were misappropriated, with no substantial progress on the film, leading to charges under IPC sections for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. The named accused include Bhatt’s daughter Krishna Bhatt, Mehboob, and Dinesh Kataria. Udaipur SP Yogesh Goyal confirmed the registration, stating an investigation is underway and appropriate action will follow. This development comes amid Bhatt’s recent projects, including the horror film Tumbbad 2, raising questions about the impact on his career.
Bhatt’s Fierce Rebuttal: ‘Completely Fabricated, Police Misled’
In a swift and vehement response, Bhatt dismissed the allegations as “baseless and false,” labeling the FIR “completely misleading” and claiming the Rajasthan police were “misguided” by forged documents. Speaking on November 17, 2025, Bhatt expressed shock upon learning of the FIR through media reports, as he had received no prior notice. “I found out today that Ajay Murdia has filed an FIR not just against me but against eight of us. I have read the FIR, and in my view, it is misleading. The police have been completely misguided because the things written in the FIR are absolutely wrong,” he stated. Bhatt accused Murdia of halting another project, Virat, midway and withholding payments of nearly ₹250 crore to technicians, suggesting the complaint is a tactic to evade dues. “He stopped the film Virat midway. And the payment that needs to be made to workers, about ₹250 crore, has still not been paid.
The Allegations Unpacked: A Biopic Betrayal?
According to the FIR, the dispute originated in April 2024 when Murdia was introduced to Bhatt’s team at a Mumbai studio by Dinesh Kataria. Bhatt allegedly pitched the biopic as a tribute to Murdia’s late wife, assuring oversight of production and projecting ₹200 crore in profits to encourage heavy investments. Murdia claims over ₹30 crore was transferred, but no meaningful work ensued, and follow-ups were ignored. The complaint extends to other projects, accusing the group of financial misconduct and false assurances. Bhatt countered that the allegations stem from a stalled collaboration on Virat, where Murdia allegedly backed out, leaving crew payments pending. “It’s obvious that he must have created some fabricated, forged documents,” Bhatt told, emphasizing his readiness to fight the case legally.
Industry Echoes: A Cloud Over Bhatt’s Comeback Trail
The news has stunned Bollywood, where Bhatt is known for horror hits like 1920 (2008) and Haunted – 3D (2011). Colleagues like Mahesh Bhatt (no relation) offered support via X: “Truth will prevail—Vikram’s integrity is unquestionable.” Fans rallied with #JusticeForVikram, decrying the “smear campaign,” while some speculated on industry rivalries. In a landscape rife with biopic delays (The Kashmir Files 2 faced similar hurdles), this case highlights funding pitfalls. As Udaipur police probe, Bhatt’s next, Tumbbad 2, hangs in balance.
A Filmmaker’s Fight: From Allegations to Absolution?
Vikram Bhatt’s denial isn’t defense—it’s declaration. As he battles ‘baseless’ claims, it thunders: Can fraud fables fell a filmmaker? His fierce rebuttal roars no, scripting a saga where evidence eclipses enmity in cinema’s contentious court
-By Manoj H