In a decisive step, director Raj Shandilya has cut ties with Balaji Telefilms, labeling the production house’s allegations against him as groundless fabrications. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in Mumbai’s film circles.
Shandilya released a detailed statement affirming that his contract termination followed protocol, with the notice served more than a fortnight back. He challenged Balaji’s inaction in court, stating, ‘No civil suit has been filed, yet they’re now pushing criminal complaints without merit.’
Describing the accusations as a desperate bid to bully him, Shandilya expressed unwavering faith in his position. He promised rigorous legal defense against what he calls smear tactics designed to derail his career momentum.
Reassuring fans, the director confirmed ‘Bhagam Bhag 2’ is progressing smoothly towards its release. Featuring Akshay Kumar alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Paresh Rawal, the film revives the spirit of the original 2006 hit, blending comedy and chaos.
Known for scripting and directing crowd-pleasers such as ‘Dream Girl’ series and ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, Shandilya’s versatility has earned him a solid reputation. He called on fellow filmmakers to scrutinize agreements closely to avoid similar pitfalls.
Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji has countersued, targeting Shandilya, the sequel’s producers, and Kumar’s banner for alleged breach. This high-profile clash raises questions about accountability and power dynamics in Bollywood’s collaborative ecosystem.
As legal battles loom, Shandilya’s focus on creativity shines through. His appeal for professionalism could resonate widely, potentially reshaping how industry contracts are handled in future collaborations.