Cinema VinesOn Monday, September 28, the Income Tax Department carried out search operations at about twelve locations in Mumbai linked to actress Rakul Preet Singh, her father‑in‑law and veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani, as well as Panorama Studios. The raids were reportedly triggered by information that large sums were being transferred overseas under the guise of film shoots, foreign distribution and production expenses, raising questions about possible tax evasion or other financial irregularities.
Multiple teams of income‑tax officials scoured the premises, examining documents and financial records. While the operations were still in progress at the time of reporting, no final findings or conclusions had been announced. The searches are part of an ongoing investigation, and authorities have not yet released details about the scope or outcomes.
Rakul Preet Singh, a prominent actor in Hindi and South‑Indian cinema, entered the Bhagnani family when she married actor‑producer Jackky Bhagnani, son of Vashu Bhagnani, in 2024. Bhagnani, a well‑known producer, has backed films such as Coolie No 1 (1995), Hero No 1 (1997), Biwi No 1 (1999), Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001), Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001) and the recent Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024).
In addition to the raids on Singh’s and Bhagnani’s premises, the Income Tax Department also searched the office of filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, known for directing hits such as Gunday (2014), Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Bharat (2019) and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024). Panorama Studios, headed by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, was another target; the banner has produced titles like Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), Raid (2018), Khuda Haafiz (2020) and Shaitaan (2024) and is currently preparing for the release of Drishyam The Conclusion, which is set to hit cinemas on Friday, October 2.
The raids have sent ripples across the film industry, with industry insiders monitoring the developing story closely. As the investigation unfolds, further details about the findings and any potential legal actions are expected to emerge.
