Actor Files Police Complaint Against Palaash Muchhal Alleging Rs 40 Lakh Fraud in Sangli
A 34-year-old actor and producer has approached the police in Maharashtra's Sangli district, alleging that he was cheated of Rs 40 lakh by composer and filmmaker Palaash Muchhal. The complainant, identified as Vidnyan Mane, a local resident, submitted an application seeking the registration of an FIR against Muchhal to the Sangli Superintendent of Police on Tuesday, according to official sources.
Details of the Alleged Investment Scam
According to the complaint, Palaash Muchhal met Mane in Sangli on December 5, 2023. During their meeting, Mane reportedly expressed interest in investing in film production. Muchhal allegedly offered him the opportunity to invest as a producer in his upcoming project titled Nazaria.
As per the complaint, Muchhal told Mane that after the film's release on OTT platforms, he could earn a profit of Rs 12 lakh on an investment of Rs 25 lakh. He also allegedly offered Mane a role in the film as part of the arrangement.
Financial Transactions and Unfulfilled Promises
The two reportedly met twice after their initial encounter, following which Mane allegedly transferred a total of Rs 40 lakh to Muchhal by March 2025. The complaint states that the film project did not get completed despite the substantial investment.
When Mane demanded his money back, he allegedly received no response from Muchhal. This prompted him to approach the Sangli police seeking legal action in the matter.
Police Response and Current Status
Police officials confirmed on Thursday that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far in the matter. However, they revealed that a preliminary probe is currently underway to verify the allegations made in the complaint.
An official told media that the application has been received and is being examined according to standard procedures before any formal legal action is initiated.
Controversy Follows Personal Setback for Muchhal
The development comes barely a month after Palaash Muchhal's wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana was called off. The couple was scheduled to get married on November 23, but the wedding was postponed after Smriti's father, Shriniwas, was hospitalised due to a heart ailment.
Later, Palaash issued a statement saying that he had decided to move on and expressed anguish over what he described as baseless online chatter. He had urged people to reflect before amplifying unverified claims about his personal life.
Muchhal's Professional Focus Amid Allegations
After maintaining a relatively low profile in recent weeks, Palaash Muchhal has now shifted his attention back to professional commitments. The composer-turned-filmmaker is set to begin work on his next directorial project, marking a return to cinema following a period of heightened public attention.
The yet-untitled film will feature actor Shreyas Talpade in a key role and is expected to go on floors soon. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, the project will see Shreyas Talpade playing a common man, with Palaash Muchhal directing the film himself.
While details about the storyline, supporting cast, and release timeline remain under wraps, shooting is believed to begin shortly in Mumbai. This professional move comes even as the fraud allegations continue to be investigated by Sangli police authorities.
The case highlights growing concerns about financial transparency in film production investments, particularly involving independent filmmakers and aspiring actors seeking opportunities in the competitive entertainment industry.
