Indian filmmaker Palaash Muchhal faced a police complaint after Sangli resident Vaibhav Mane alleged financial fraud of Rs 40 lakh related to the film Nazariya. Mane, who had known Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana since childhood, claimed he invested in the project near-term returns.

According to the complaint, Mane stated that Palaash asked for funds to complete Nazariya and assured him that the film was close to an early OTT release. Based on these assurances, Mane transferred Rs 40 lakh to Palaash.

Mane alleged that Nazariya was never completed and did not release as promised. Repeated attempts to recover the money reportedly failed. 

Mane informed the police that Palaash initially promised repayment but later blocked communication. After waiting for months, Mane approached Sangli police and submitted transaction records and supporting documents.

The complaint identified key details, Vaibhav Mane was the complaint, Palaash Muchhal was the accused, the alleged fraud amount was Rs 40 lakh, and the project in question was Nazariya. Mane’s connection to Smriti Mandhana was also noted.

This complaint surfaced months after Palaash and Smriti called off their wedding in November 2025 amid media scrutiny.

Following the breakup, Palaash issued a statement, saying, “I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. It has been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. Its the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs.”

He also added, “I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip, whose sources are never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand. While we think about these things, many people in the world are facing drastic consequences. My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me with kindness in this tough time.”

Sangli police confirmed that the case was under investigation and documents provided by Mane were under review to verify the alleged financial fraud.