Mumbai Court Rejects Bail Applications
A Mumbai sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail applications of three individuals accused of financial irregularities involving ₹3.92 crore during the production of the upcoming Bollywood film *Naagzilla*. The decision was delivered on October 28, 2026, by Additional Sessions Judge M Mohiuddin. The three applicants are Kuldeep Singh Champawat, Mahipal Karan Rathore and Shivkumar Tiwari, who held different production-related responsibilities. The court observed that there was prima facie material requiring further investigation. It also considered custodial interrogation necessary to examine the allegations.
₹3.92 Crore in Unaccounted Production Expenses
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly spent ₹3,92,76,308 without providing the necessary bills and vouchers. The prosecution has alleged that the individuals bypassed established financial procedures while managing production-related expenses. The complaint also includes allegations of inflated vendor bills, questionable payments and fabricated financial documents. Investigators further alleged that commissions and mobile phones were demanded from vendors in exchange for awarding work and approving payments. These claims remain allegations and will be examined through the legal process.
Three Production Executives Named in the Case
The three individuals were associated with different aspects of the film's production. Kuldeep Singh Champawat worked as a consultant and signing authority, Mahipal Karan Rathore was appointed as an executive producer and service provider, while Shivkumar Tiwari served as the line producer. Their responsibilities included managing vendors, arranging vehicles and junior artists, and overseeing production-related activities. The complaint was filed by an accountant associated with Mahaveer Jain Films, one of the production companies involved in the project.
What We Know About Kartik Aaryan's Naagzilla
Naagzilla stars Kartik Aaryan and is being produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films. The film has been made with a reported production budget of ₹82.50 crore and is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Kartik Aaryan is set to portray an ichchadhari naag, a mythical shape-shifting serpent. The legal investigation has brought attention to the film's production finances ahead of its planned theatrical release in February 2027. The case is ongoing, and the allegations against the individuals have not been established in court.
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