Vikram Bhatt Faces Legal Notice Over 'Haunted – Echoes Of The Past' Payment Dispute
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has received a legal notice from Lakshmi Ganpathy Films, demanding a payment of Rs. 19 lakhs related to his upcoming horror film, 'Haunted – Echoes Of The Past'. The notice, issued on June 3, 2026, threatens legal proceedings and an injunction on the film's release if the amount, plus interest, is not paid within 10 days. The dispute stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2023, which involved Lakshmi Ganpathy Films financing the project. Despite subsequent cancellation agreements, the notice alleges an outstanding balance from a prior commitment by Bhatt, and mutual understanding that the film would not be released until dues were cleared.
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been served a legal notice by Lakshmi Ganpathy Films concerning his upcoming horror film, 'Haunted – Echoes Of The Past'. The notice, dated June 3, 2026, demands a payment of Rs. 19 lakhs, along with applicable interest, within 10 days.
Issued by Advocate Nagesh Mishra on behalf of M Ramesh, proprietor of Lakshmi Ganpathy Films, the notice warns that failure to comply could lead to recovery proceedings before the appropriate court and a potential injunction restraining the film's release.
The dispute reportedly originates from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 3, 2023, for the film, initially titled 'Haunted Winter'. Lakshmi Ganpathy Films had initially agreed to finance the project, with an understanding that both parties would share profits equally. The company claims to have invested Rs. 94 lakhs into the project.
Subsequent agreements revised the production budget and brought Anand Pandit Motion Pictures LLP on board as a co-producer. Although Lakshmi Ganpathy Films later executed cancellation agreements to withdraw its rights, the notice alleges that Vikram Bhatt had committed to pay Rs. 50 lakhs towards profit, in addition to refunding the company's investment.
After adjustments of mutual accounts, including a payment made by Vikram Bhatt in February 2024, a balance of Rs. 19 lakhs is claimed to remain unpaid. The notice asserts there was a mutual understanding that the film would not be released until this outstanding amount was settled.
Separately, 'Haunted – Echoes Of The Past' received NCLT approval for a June 12 release, with makers directed to deposit all revenues into a separate bank account.
According to Bollywood Hungama, a legal notice has been issued to Vikram Bhatt.
