Mumbai: Mumbai's Amboli police station has become the latest stage for a drama worthy of Bollywood itself. Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala has lodged a fraud complaint alleging that his copyright and remake rights to the 2000 hit Hera Pheri were usurped and used to extort crores of rupees.
Nadiadwala, 62, said he legally purchased the Hindi remake rights of the Malayalam classic Ramji Rao Speaking in 2000 for Rs 4.5 lakh. Yet, just days before Hera Pheri's release, he claims he was pressured into paying money despite a court stay in his favour.
The dispute resurfaced 25 years later when, according to Nadiadwala, the original owners resold rights to Seven Arts International in 2022. He further alleged that in 2024 he received a legal notice declaring Phir Hera Pheri (2006) illegal, with demands for Rs 60 lakh and a 25% profit share.
Police have registered a case against Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar and M Paul Michael under relevant IPC sections. Nadiadwala also accused the parties of obstructing his company's public listing and spreading false news using the names of actors Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal.
Investigations are underway, with the case centering on whether rights already sold were misused to mount fresh demands.