Bhooth Bangla Controversy: Makers Respond To Vendors’ Unpaid Dues Allegations Amid Box Office Success

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is doing strong box office business, yet the film now faces claims over unpaid dues from vendors. As these allegations gain attention, the production team has issued a clarification, saying all agreed payments are being processed according to contracts and that they dispute suggestions of deliberate non-payment.

Balaji Motion Pictures, which backed Bhooth Bangla, has firmly rejected the accusations. The studio said every payment linked to the project is being handled within agreed terms. In a statement shared with Mid-Day, the company said, "Balaji Telefilms Limited has fulfilled all its contractual payment obligations in relation to various projects undertaken by the company," stressing that there is no pending contractual liability from its side.

Bhooth Bangla payment dispute and Akshay Kumar film vendors' claims

Despite the studio’s position, several vendors associated with Bhooth Bangla told Mid-Day that they are still waiting for full settlement. One vendor alleged the producers owe close to ₹30 lakh, adding, "Payments are getting stuck for months. Once the film releases, it becomes difficult to get the money out. The 90-day invoice clearance has become a thing of the past." Another supplier claimed a pending amount of ₹18 lakh for months.

The Mid-Day report also mentioned a separate claim involving writer Pranjal Kriplani. According to the publication, Kriplani has apparently sent a legal notice to producers Alok Kumar Chaubey and Sanjay Gupta. The notice reportedly accuses the producers of not clearing dues of ₹50,000 that Kriplani says are still outstanding for work done on Bhooth Bangla.

Bhooth Bangla box office performance and Akshay Kumar milestone

Bhooth Bangla released in cinemas on April 17 and has become a strong commercial success. The film has reportedly collected more than ₹231 crore worldwide so far. Critics gave mixed reactions, but audiences have responded well to Akshay Kumar returning to a broad comic style. With this film, Akshay Kumar now has 20 titles in the ₹100 crore club in India.

The horror-comedy is directed by Priyadarshan, marking the filmmaker's return to Hindi cinema after a five-year break. Bhooth Bangla is also the first Hindi feature with Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan together in 14 years. The cast includes Akshay Kumar in a dual role, with Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Paresh Rawal and Asrani in important supporting parts.

Bhooth Bangla story, Akshay Kumar roles and horror-comedy setup

The story follows Arjun, played by Akshay Kumar, who lives in London with a sister portrayed by Mithila. They unexpectedly inherit a large fortune and an old palace from their grandfather. Arjun travels to Mangalpur in India to ready the property for his sister's wedding. Local folklore claims a mysterious figure, Vadhusur, kidnaps brides and stops every marriage.

This legend of Vadhusur drives the core conflict as the wedding preparations continue inside the palace. Strange incidents and supernatural hints collide with broad humour and slapstick, creating the film’s horror-comedy tone. As Arjun confronts fear, greed and family secrets, Bhooth Bangla mixes ghostly scares with jokes, which has helped the film connect with many viewers.

Producer Ektaa Kapoor has publicly praised the film’s performance and Priyadarshan’s direction. Kapoor recently said Bhooth Bangla is the "biggest hit" of her career, underlining how important the box office result is for the production banner. While vendors and the writer continue to seek resolution on their alleged dues, the producers maintain that contractual obligations are honoured, even as the film’s theatrical run continues.