Delhi High Court Reviews Fraud Allegations Against 'Drishyam 2' Producer

The Delhi High Court dismisses a plea by Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios to quash a fraud case linked to the Chinese rights of 'Drishyam 2'. Pathak contends the charges are falsely criminalized. The court, noting ongoing investigations, refrains from offering interim protection.

The Delhi High Court has officially disposed of a plea submitted by Kumar Mangat Pathak, the director of Panorama Studios. Pathak sought to quash criminal proceedings linked to a massive financial fraud case involving overseas rights of the Ajay Devgn film 'Drishyam 2'. Allegations center on a fraud amounting to Rs 4.3 crore, concerning the film's Chinese distribution rights.

The FIR, initially filed in June 2025, accuses Pathak, Bharat Sevak, and others of conspiracy, document forgery, and misrepresentation of rights for territories including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Pathak approached the court for relief from charges filed by the Economic Offences Wing. He argues that the issue is purely commercial, suggesting it was wrongly criminalized. However, Justice Neena Krishna Bansal declined interim protection due to the probe being in its initial stages, noting Pathak's cooperation with the investigation.

The complaint was initiated by a Delhi businessman who alleges he was duped into investing Rs 4.3 crore with the promise of exclusive Chinese distribution rights. He was allegedly misled by Bharat Sevak, who posed as an authorized representative of Panorama Studios. Sevak is accused of producing forged documents and making promises regarding revenue shares. While Sevak claims the funds were transferred as part of a larger transaction, Panorama denies receipt, asserting the money went to an unrelated account. Pathak presented evidence countering Sevak's authority and the terms of the deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)