Firoz Nadiadwala Files Fraud Case Against Hera Pheri Makers; Alleges Extortion, Cheating And Defamation In Copyright Row

An FIR has been filed against the makers of Hera Pheri following a complaint by film producer Firoz Nadiadwala, who accused them of cheating and defamation in connection with the ongoing copyright dispute over the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, on which Hera Pheri is based. The complaint was lodged at the Amboli police station by Nadiadwala, alleging that the producers, Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar and M. Paul Michael, had unlawfully claimed rights and engaged in deceptive practices.

Firoz Nadiadwala Files Fraud Case Against Hera Pheri Makers

According to the FIR, Nadiadwala, a 62-year-old resident of Juhu who operates Empire Studio in Andheri West, had invested significantly in Hera Pheri. The story was brought to him in 1997 by director Priyadarshan, leading to the film’s development and shooting from 1998 to 2000.

Hera Pheri is actually adapted from the 1989 Malayalam film produced by M/s Sarga Chitra, with M. Paul Michael and Siddique KL (Lal) as partners. Nadiadwala stated in the FIR that he had sold remake rights in 1993 to M/s Compact Disc India Limited, from whom he acquired the rights legally on March 24, 2000, for Rs 4.50 lakh. He obtained copyright for the Hindi version and other languages, excluding the southern languages. Both Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006) were commercially successful, and no objections were raised for over 25 years.

Nadiadwala’s Claims

Nadiadwala alleges that in 2000, Michael and Siddique claimed rights to the film and tried to impede its release. He claims they threatened him through intermediaries and demanded money, prompting him to file a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner on March 21, 2000.

He further states that in December 2024, he received a copyright notice, and in October 2025, Vijaykumar filed a petition in the Madras High Court claiming new ownership through another company. Nadiadwala refutes this claim as fabricated and alleges that the accused demanded Rs 60 lakh along with a 25% share of the profits from the films.

He also accused them of defamation, alleging false information was spread using the names of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, damaging his reputation. The complaint notes that the matter has resurfaced after 25 years, with the original rights holders Siddique KL and M. Paul Michael purportedly reselling the rights to Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar of M/s Seven Arts International on May 12, 2022, for Rs 3 lakh, despite knowing the rights had already been sold.

About Ongoing Case

Following the complaint, police registered cases against Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar and M. Paul Michael under Sections 318(4), 356, and 3(5) of the IPC, and investigations are ongoing. Nadiadwala also claims that in December 2024, he received a legal notice declaring Phir Hera Pheri (2006) illegal. He demanded Rs 60 lakh and a 25% share of the film’s profits.

The police have initiated an investigation, and the involved parties may be called for questioning. The case centres on allegations that rights related to Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri were misused despite prior sales. This leads to new demands and legal actions.

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.