Vikram Bhatt Cheating Case: New ₹13.5 Crore Fraud FIR Against Filmmaker and Daughter Krishna Bhatt
In a shocking development rocking Bollywood, filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his daughter Krishna Bhatt face fresh allegations in the Vikram Bhatt cheating case. A Pune-based film financier has filed an FIR accusing the duo of defrauding him of ₹13.5 crore. The complaint, lodged just hours ago at Mumbai's Versova Police Station, highlights ongoing financial controversies surrounding the Bhatt family.
This latest Vikram Bhatt cheating case stems from a 2021 investment deal. Shivraj Prithviraj Kawade claims Vikram Bhatt lured him into funding upcoming film projects with promises of quick returns. Kawade handed over ₹13.5 crore, but neither principal nor profits materialized even after the deadline.
FIR Details and Legal Action
Police have registered the FIR under IPC Section 420 for cheating against Vikram Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt. Given the case's origins in 2021, it falls under the Indian Penal Code rather than newer laws.
-
Key Allegations: Bhatt convinced Kawade via personal meetings and assurances of high returns from films.
-
No Deliverables: Projects stalled, funds vanished, leaving investor high and dry.
-
Investigation Escalation: Mumbai Police's Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) now leads the probe due to the massive sum involved.
The EOW's involvement signals serious scrutiny, as it specializes in white-collar crimes. Experts note such cases expose vulnerabilities in Bollywood's opaque financing, where verbal promises often replace contracts.
Krishna Bhatt's Rising Career Under Cloud
Krishna Bhatt, Vikram's daughter, debuted as director with the 2023 horror flick 1920: Horrors of the Heart. She has also helmed web series like Maya 2 and Sanak, gaining traction in digital content. Her naming in the Vikram Bhatt FIR raises questions about family-run production houses and potential complicity in deals.
This isn't isolated—Krishna's involvement underscores how familial ties in the industry can blur lines between personal and professional liabilities.
Vikram Bhatt's Troubled Recent Past
The timing amplifies concerns. On December 7, 2025, Rajasthan Police arrested Vikram Bhatt and wife Shwetambari in a separate ₹30 crore fraud case tied to a business deal. They were remanded in Udaipur, with bail denied by Rajasthan High Court in January 2026. Both remain in Udaipur Central Jail.
-
Rajasthan Case Highlights: Alleged irregularities in a deal, leading to judicial custody.
-
Pattern Emerging: Multiple investors now claim similar deceit, painting a picture of systemic issues.
Filmmaker associations urge stricter due diligence, warning aspiring financiers to verify credentials via legal vetting.
Why This Matters Now for Bollywood
As Bollywood rebounds post-pandemic, investor trust is crucial. The Vikram Bhatt cheating case, amid economic pressures, spotlights fraud risks in indie productions. With EOW probing, expect deeper revelations—could this trigger industry-wide reforms?
