Ram Gopal Varma is facing a legal notice from production house Eclatant Films Private Limited, which is seeking ₹29.67 crore over an agreement dating back to 2010. The dispute could extend beyond the filmmaker, with the banner reportedly warning producers, distributors and OTT platforms against doing business with him or acquiring rights to projects associated with him.
What is the controversy?
As per a report by The Indian Express, Eclatant Films issued the notice on October 15, giving him until October 30 to settle the dues. The amount includes the pending principal and ₹11.38 crore in interest. RGV has not commented on the matter publicly.
The dispute dates back to an agreement signed by the two parties on April 10, 2010, which was reportedly upheld by the Bombay High Court on April 17, 2013. Eclatant Films claims that the agreement required Ram to obtain its written No Objection Certificate (NOC) before undertaking certain film projects. This included work as a producer, director, writer or co-producer on films covered by the contract.
The production house alleges that these terms were not followed and is now seeking ₹29.67 crore from the filmmaker.
Production house issues warning to the film industry
The notice is not limited to RGV. Eclatant Films has also reached out to the wider film industry, warning producers, distributors, broadcasters and OTT platforms against entering into business deals with the filmmaker. As reported by trade publications, including Complete Cinema, the production house has cautioned industry players against buying, streaming or exploiting films linked to the filmmaker.
The production house has also warned that it may invoke a contractual lien if he fails to pay the dues. This could mean seeking a claim to the rights, shares, financial interests, and earnings from films covered by the 2010 agreement.
What is Ram Gopal Varma’s next film?
Ram Gopal Varma is busy with his next directorial, Police Company. The crime drama, led by Harshvardhan Rane, is slated to arrive in theatres on June 4, 2027. Based on true events and real-life characters, the film looks at the circumstances behind the killing of around 300 gangsters.
The film has an ensemble cast featuring Fardeen Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, Makarand Deshpande and Ashwini Kalsekar. Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and RGV have produced the project, which is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series.
He also has Police Station Mein Bhoot with Manoj Bajpayee. This will mark their first project since Sarkar 3.