In a dramatic escalation of a scandal that began with a cancelled celebrity wedding, music composer Palash Muchhal has filed a ₹10 crore defamation lawsuit against actor-producer Vidnyan Mane. This legal salvo is a direct response to explosive allegations from Mane, who claims Muchhal cheated him of ₹40 lakh in a film deal and was caught in an act of infidelity on his wedding day with cricketer Smriti Mandhana.
The case, now poised for the courts, brings together a combustible mix of financial disputes, sensational personal accusations, and high-profile reputations, ensuring it remains a top story in entertainment and legal circles.
Explosive Allegations: Fraud and a Wedding Day Scandal
The controversy stems from claims made by Vidnyan Mane, who describes himself as a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana. Mane has filed a complaint with Sangli police, alleging that Muchhal defrauded him of ₹40 lakh related to an unreleased film titled Nazariya.
- Financial Claims: Mane alleges that in December 2023, Muchhal offered him an investment opportunity, promising a ₹12 lakh profit on a ₹25 lakh investment once the film released on OTT platforms, along with a role in the project. Mane claims he paid a total of ₹40 lakh by March 2025, but the film did not materialize, and his requests for a refund were ignored.
- Infidelity Allegations: In a separate but linked accusation, Mane told Hindustan Times that he was present at the wedding celebrations on November 23, 2025, when Muchhal was allegedly "caught red-handed with another woman in bed". He claimed the situation turned chaotic, leading to a physical confrontation.
- Additional Pressure: Mane further alleged that after the wedding was called off, Muchhal's mother pressured him to invest an additional ₹10 lakh, threatening that he would otherwise lose his prior investment.
Muchhal's Forceful Denial and Legal Counterattack
Palash Muchhal has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them as a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation.
- Official Statement: On Instagram, Muchhal stated the claims are "entirely baseless and factually incorrect" and asserted that his lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is pursuing all legal avenues.
- The Defamation Suit: The primary legal action is a ₹10 crore defamation notice served to Vidnyan Mane. Muchhal calls the accusations "false, outrageous and highly defamatory".
- Legal Team's Defense: Advocate Shreyansh Mithare has publicly questioned the credibility of Mane's claims. He pointedly asked for evidence of the alleged financial transactions and the infidelity, noting the accusations only surfaced after Muchhal's wedding was cancelled.
The Silent Aftermath: Social Media and Unanswered Questions
Amid the legal fray, telling actions have unfolded online. Muchhal has deleted several Instagram posts that featured Smriti Mandhana, including affectionate birthday tributes and festive pictures. This digital cleanup, noticed by fans, adds a layer of personal finality to the public dispute.
The core relationship at the heart of the scandal remains private. Smriti Mandhana has not commented on the recent allegations. The wedding was initially postponed in November 2025 due to a family health emergency and was later officially called off in December.
Why This Story Captivates: Celebrity, Scandal, and the Court of Public Opinion
This case transcends a simple financial dispute. It taps into perennial public fascinations with celebrity relationships, trust, and betrayal. The involvement of a national cricket star and a popular music composer has guaranteed intense media scrutiny and social media debate.
Legal experts observe that the lawsuit shifts the battle from the court of public opinion to a court of law, where claims will require verifiable evidence. For now, the public is left with sharply contrasting narratives, a deleted digital history, and a high-stakes legal battle that promises more developments.
