Film “Paltan” starring Jackie Shroff, Arjun Rampal & others and slated to release on September 7, 2018 has already hit a roadblock. On 13th August, 2018, cinematographer, Nigam Bomzan has sent a legal notice to veteran filmmaker JP Dutta and his daughter Nidhi Dutta for non-payment of dues and not according due credits for his work in the trailer of the film. The legal notice can be viewed here.
Apparently, the two had verbally agreed on the money but failed to sign a formal contract recording the terms of their arrangement. In the notice, Bomzan alleged that after shooting for 54 days, the portions making up for 80 percent of the film, he had to bow out of the film owing to his sister’s illness. He went on to claim that even when he discussed the matter with Dutta and Nidhi, both father and daughter supported his decision and another cinematographer Shailesh Awasthi was roped in for completion of the last leg.
Bomzan stated that he received about 30 per cent of his remuneration for the work done by him in respect of the film and decided to take the legal route only after multiple requests by him to clear the outstanding dues fell on deaf ears.
He added, “Nidhi told me that they hadn’t received the money from Zee Productions (the co-producers). But she assured me that they would clear the payment soon. After a point, she stopped replying to my messages. I have been trying to reach them since March, but there has been no response. I finally decided to take the legal route. It’s sad that I have to fight to get credit for my work.”
He further alleged that he was fighting the battle not only for himself but also for his assistants, who too are yet to be paid for their work. Apparently, Bomzan has also lodged a complaint with the Cinematographer’s Association.
Reportedly, when contacted, Nidhi Dutta said that they were yet to receive the notice. “It has been sent directly to Zee Productions. We made payments according to the days that he has shot. We will reply to the notice once we receive it.” As to credits, she added, “It’s a technical error. Both the DOPs will be credited in the film’s slate.”
The spokesperson of Zee Studios stated that Zee has cleared all the payments as per the contract to J P Films.
Image Source: Here
