Neerja director STUCK in legal tussle between film producer and the Bhanot brothers
"Atul Kasbekar is a friend, the Bhanots are family," says Ram Madhvani
Was Neerja Bhanot’s family shortchanged, despite the film on her life becoming a critical and commercial success? Well, that is exactly what her brothers Aneesh and Akhil are alleging. The Bhanot bros are dragging the film’s co-producer Atul Kasbekar to court, over breach of contract.
The brothers allege that the co-producer has not lived up to his commitment — he supposedly promised the family 10 per cent of the film’s profits.
Neerja’s brother Aneesh refused to share details of the case, but maintained, “Neerja always believed and said, ‘Do not tolerate any injustice’, and that is what we are doing: not tolerating injustice. The rest is up to the courts to decide.” Atul, too, kept it terse. “As you know, there are two sides to any issue. We will issue a statement soon,” said he.
Director Ram Madhvani chose to steer clear of controversy. “Atul is a friend. And as far I am concerned, the Bhanots will always be a part of my family. My commitment to them is for a lifetime. I’ve nothing to do with the financial dynamics of the film. I am not a producer on Neerja. I wish the matter is resolved at the earliest,” he says.