Entertainment
oi-Oneindia Staff
Vikram Bhatt has mastered the art of keeping audiences hooked with his unique style of storytelling, especially through mystery and suspense. From supernatural thrillers to psychological dramas, the filmmaker has worked in the industry for decades and has built a reputation for creating gripping narratives.
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt faced an alleged ₹30 crore financial fraud case in Udaipur, leading to his arrest in December 2025 and nearly 70 days in jail before bail; mentor Mahesh Bhatt’s public silence drew attention.
However, in 2025, Bhatt found himself at the centre of a controversy that was far more dramatic than any script he had written.
The director’s life took an unexpected turn when he was arrested in an alleged fraud case. As he spent nearly 70 days behind bars, the incident tested his faith, friendships, and resilience while also raising questions about the silence of his long-time mentor, Mahesh Bhatt.
Who Is Vikram Bhatt?
The son of cinematographer Pravin Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt belongs to the extended Bhatt film family. Over the years, he has carved out a successful career and is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most prominent directors in the thriller and horror genres.
He began his filmmaking journey under the guidance of Mahesh Bhatt, whom he has often publicly described as his mentor and guru. Vikram started his career with Vishesh Films, Mahesh Bhatt’s production house, before gradually establishing his own identity as a filmmaker.
Some of his most notable directorial ventures include Raaz, Ghulam, and Haunted 3D. He has also been associated with films such as Hate Story, Khamoshiyan, and Ankur Arora Murder Case as a writer. His work played a major role in shaping an era of Bollywood thrillers, with many of his horror films going on to become cult favourites.
The Alleged Fraud Case
In November 2025, an FIR was lodged against Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, at Bhupalpura Police Station in Udaipur. The couple was arrested in December 2025 in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore financial fraud case linked to a proposed biopic project.
In his complaint, businessman Ajay Murdia alleged that he had signed a ₹47 crore agreement with Vikram Bhatt’s production house for four films, one of which was to be a biopic based on the life of his late wife. However, Murdia claimed that the promised projects were not delivered and that the funds had been misappropriated.
Bhatt has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the facts presented in the case are inaccurate. In earlier statements, he said he believed investigators were being misled regarding the nature of the dispute.
The legal battle eventually led to the couple’s arrest and judicial custody before they were later granted bail.
Inside the 70-Day Jail Stint
The experience appears to have changed the filmmaker’s outlook on life. Bhatt has spoken about turning towards faith during one of the most uncertain periods of his life, placing his trust entirely in God when he felt powerless.
In an interview with ANI, Bhatt revealed that someone had advised him to strike a deal with a very influential person. Recalling his response, he said:
“I may not be powerful, but my God is. If I am not a criminal, I will get bail. And even after securing bail, if the case continues, I will prove my innocence.”
The filmmaker also spoke about the unexpected kindness he received from fellow inmates. He recalled arriving at the prison late at night and being helped by other prisoners, who arranged a place for him to sleep and shared basic necessities such as blankets, pillows, and drinking water.
The Friends Who Stayed and the Friends Who Left
Vikram Bhatt revealed that some people who once shared a close bond with him stopped communicating after his arrest. He suggested that some may have believed the allegations, while others perhaps did not want to be associated with someone who had spent time in jail.
At the same time, he acknowledged those from the film industry who stood by him and offered support during the difficult period.
Mahesh Bhatt’s Silence Becomes a Talking Point
The relationship between Mahesh Bhatt and Vikram Bhatt extends beyond professional collaboration. Apart from being family, they have shared one of the most influential creative partnerships in Hindi cinema.
Mahesh Bhatt played a crucial role in Vikram’s early career, mentoring him and helping him understand the craft of filmmaking. Over the years, Vikram became one of the key creative forces associated with the Bhatt banner, and the duo worked together on several successful projects, including the Raaz franchise.
Their bond appeared even stronger when differences emerged between Mahesh Bhatt and his brother Mukesh Bhatt, with Vikram openly supporting Mahesh. In previous interviews, Vikram revealed that Mahesh felt betrayed in the business and had encouraged him to carve out his own path by moving beyond Vishesh Films.
Given this close relationship, many observers questioned why Mahesh Bhatt remained publicly silent during Vikram’s legal troubles. His silence sparked speculation about a possible rift between the two.
Vikram Bhatt Defends His Mentor
Vikram Bhatt has firmly dismissed suggestions that Mahesh Bhatt abandoned him during the crisis.
In recent interviews, he clarified that he never interpreted Mahesh’s silence as a lack of support. According to Vikram, Mahesh may have been helping him in ways that were simply not visible to the public. He also revealed that Mahesh stayed in touch during the difficult period and even congratulated him on his professional achievements.
Vikram rejected the assumption that their relationship had suffered because of the allegations and emphasised that Mahesh Bhatt’s affection and support for him had remained unchanged.
His remarks have offered an alternative perspective on the much-discussed silence. What many viewed as distance may, in fact, have been a form of private support.
Other Controversies Through the Years
The alleged fraud case is not the only controversy associated with Vikram Bhatt. Following his arrest, allegations regarding pending payments linked to the film 1920: Horrors of the Heart resurfaced and sparked debate on social media. However, those claims remain separate from the legal proceedings related to the alleged financial fraud case.
Vikram Bhatt has long been known for telling stories filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Ironically, the past year may have been the most dramatic chapter of his own life.
While the legal proceedings continue, Bhatt’s account of faith, friendship, and resilience has offered audiences a rare glimpse into the man behind some of Bollywood’s most iconic thrillers. Whether the controversy eventually fades or takes another turn, it has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about off-screen stories of his career.
