Palaash Muchhal Accused Of Fraud Of 40 Lakhs By A Friend Months After Calling Off Wedding With Smriti

Filmmaker Palaash Muchhal is facing a fresh police complaint, with Sangli resident and film financier Vaibhav Mane alleging financial cheating of Rs 40 lakh linked to an incomplete film titled Nazariya. Mane, who has long known India cricketer Smriti Mandhana, has approached Sangli police with a fraud case. Mane is described as Smriti Mandhana's childhood friend and had earlier agreed to back Palaash Muchhal’s project as an investor. Smriti’s father, Srinivas, allegedly introduced Mane to Palaash in Sangli. Smriti and Palaash were slated to marry in November 2025, but the wedding plans were later dropped.

Palaash Muchhal financial fraud case and Smriti Mandhana connection

According to the complaint, Mane stated that Palaash sought funds to produce Nazariya and pitched it as a near-complete project. Mane alleged that Palaash assured him the film was close to an early OTT release and that the full investment would come back soon. On this assurance, Mane claims to have transferred Rs 40 lakh.

The complaint mentions that Nazariya never reached completion and no release followed. Mane alleged that repeated attempts to secure repayment were unsuccessful. Mane told police that Palaash initially promised to return the amount, then allegedly blocked further communication. After waiting for several months, Mane moved the Sangli police, submitting transaction records and other documents to the Superintendent of Police.

Key Detail	Information
Complainant	Vaibhav Mane
Accused	Palaash Muchhal
Alleged fraud amount	Rs 40 lakh
Project name	Nazariya
Connection	Mane is Smriti Mandhana's childhood friend
Police action	Financial fraud case filed in Sangli

Palaash Muchhal financial fraud case amid past Smriti Mandhana controversy

This financial fraud allegation comes months after intense scrutiny of Palaash’s personal life. In November 2025, reports surfaced that Palaash had cheated on Smriti Mandhana, leading to the couple calling off their planned wedding. The relationship was widely discussed, as it involved a leading India cricketer and a director.

Responding then to speculation about the breakup, Palaash issued a detailed statement. Palaash wrote, "I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. Its been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. Its the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs." Palaash also added, "I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip, whose sources are never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand. While we think about these things, many people in the world are facing drastic consequences. My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me with kindness in this tough time."

After the personal controversy, Palaash gradually resumed professional work. Months later, Palaash returned to sets and started a new film project featuring actor Shreyas Talpade. The fresh fraud complaint now places renewed attention on Palaash’s recent activities, both personal and professional, as the investigation in Sangli continues.

The latest case leaves several questions to be examined by investigators, including the progress of Nazariya, the promises made to Mane, and the money trail of Rs 40 lakh. Police will review financial records and submitted documents, while Mane seeks recovery of his investment and clarity on the stalled film project.