The much-anticipated release of the film “Maidaan” starring Ajay Devgn is approaching after a series of delays, but it seems the journey to the big screen is not without its challenges. As the countdown to the release begins, the film’s producers, including Boney Kapoor, find themselves embroiled in a legal dispute with a vendor over unpaid dues amounting to nearly Rs. 1 crore.
According to a report in Mid-Day, Ninad Nayampally of Meherafrin Investments Private Limited has filed a lawsuit against Boney Kapoor and the other producers of “Maidaan” at a civil court in Dindoshi, Mumbai. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the release of the film on Eid, citing non-payment of dues.
Ninad Nayampally revealed that his company provided camera-related equipment to the production unit of “Maidaan.” Initially, their invoices were cleared, but payments ceased from December 2020 onwards. Despite raising the issue with Boney Kapoor, assurances of clearing the dues were not fulfilled, prompting the legal action.
Easiah Dhanpal Xavier, another complainant in the suit, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the producers regarding the outstanding dues. Despite assurances of payment before the film’s release, communication ceased, indicating a lack of intention to settle the dues.
The report also includes screenshots of WhatsApp chats between Boney Kapoor and the vendor dating back to July 2023. In these exchanges, the vendor repeatedly requests payment, while Boney Kapoor promises to meet after August 15 but fails to follow through on the commitment.
In response to the allegations, Boney Kapoor acknowledged the outstanding amount but clarified that it amounted to Rs. 63 lakhs, not Rs. 1 crore. He assured that the vendors, including Meherafrin Investments Private Limited, would be paid before the film’s release. Kapoor attributed the delay in payments to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the film’s production schedule.
Asserting his commitment to fulfilling financial obligations, Boney Kapoor dismissed the lawsuit as an “arm-twisting tactic” and pledged to address the matter in court. He emphasized his track record of fairness in dealings with vendors throughout his career in the film industry.
With the release of “Maidaan” just around the corner, the legal dispute adds an unexpected twist to the film’s journey. As stakeholders await further developments, the resolution of the payment issue will undoubtedly impact the film’s release and the reputation of those involved in its production.
Despite the challenges faced, the excitement and anticipation surrounding “Maidaan” remain palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating its theatrical debut. However, the outcome of the legal proceedings will undoubtedly influence the narrative surrounding the film’s release and its subsequent performance at the box office.
As the clock ticks down to the release date, all eyes are on Boney Kapoor and the producers of “Maidaan” as they navigate this latest hurdle in bringing the much-anticipated film to audiences worldwide.
