Palash Muchhal Faces Cheating Allegations in Rs 40 Lakh Film Investment Dispute
In Maharashtra’s Sangli district, a 34-year-old local actor and producer has lodged a complaint accusing music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal of cheating him out of Rs 40 lakh in connection with a proposed film venture.
The complainant, Vidnyan Mane, a resident of Sangli, submitted a written application to the Sangli Superintendent of Police on Tuesday, requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Muchhal, according to a police official.
Authorities confirmed on Thursday that no FIR has been filed as yet, and a preliminary investigation is underway to assess the claims.
According to details outlined in the complaint, the two individuals first met in Sangli on December 5, 2023. Mane expressed his interest in investing in film production during the encounter. Muchhal allegedly invited him to participate as a producer in an upcoming project titled Nazaria, promising that an investment of Rs 25 lakh would yield profits of Rs 12 lakh once the film streamed on OTT platforms. Muchhal also reportedly offered Mane an acting role in the movie.
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The pair reportedly met on two additional occasions afterward. By March 2025, Mane had transferred a total of Rs 40 lakh to Muchhal.
The complaint alleges that the film project was never completed. When Mane sought the return of his funds, he received no response from Muchhal, prompting him to approach the local police for intervention.
This latest development emerges shortly after Palash Muchhal’s highly publicized decision to call off his wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana, originally planned for November 23. The postponement followed the hospitalization of Mandhana’s father due to a heart condition, after which Muchhal announced he had chosen to move forward and condemned unsubstantiated online speculation surrounding the matter.
In recent weeks, Muchhal has maintained a lower public profile but is now refocusing on his professional work. He is preparing to commence his next directorial venture, featuring actor Shreyas Talpade in a prominent role. The untitled film, set in Mumbai and centered on an everyday character, is expected to begin shooting soon.