The Punjabi film industry has been shaken by a high-profile financial dispute involving noted film director Smeep Kang, best known for directing the immensely popular “Carry on Jatta” franchise. The controversy stems from allegations that Kang failed to honour financial commitments arising from an investment arrangement dating back nearly two decades.
The complaint has been raised by Chandigarh-based businessman Devinder Sandhu, a senior executive associated with the WWICS Group. Sandhu alleges that an agreed payment of ₹1.70 crore linked to the production of the 2007 Punjabi film “Chakk De Phatte” remains unpaid despite multiple legal proceedings and favourable rulings in his favour.
According to Sandhu, he was approached by Kang in 2007 to provide financial support for the film’s production. Under a formal agreement executed in May of that year, Sandhu invested ₹1.10 crore and was assured a return of ₹1.70 crore through scheduled payments. He claims that despite fulfilling his part of the arrangement, he neither received the promised payment nor benefited from the film’s ownership or revenue stream.
The dispute eventually moved to arbitration, resulting in an award issued in July 2019. The arbitrator reportedly directed Kang to pay the principal amount of ₹1.70 crore, along with interest calculated at 15 per cent per annum from April 2009, compensation of ₹2 crore, and arbitration costs amounting to ₹5 lakh.
Sandhu maintains that the arbitration award was subsequently upheld by both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later by the Supreme Court, thereby reinforcing the enforceability of the financial liability. However, he alleges that despite these judicial findings, no payment has been made to date.
Due to the prolonged delay and accumulated interest, Sandhu estimates that the outstanding liability has now risen to nearly ₹10 crore. He stated that execution proceedings aimed at enforcing the award are currently underway and that legal efforts are continuing to recover the amount.
The issue has attracted additional attention because it surfaced while Kang’s latest film, “Carry on Jatta 4,” is being actively promoted. Sandhu contends that despite Kang’s continued involvement in film projects and earnings from the entertainment industry, he has failed to make any payment toward the outstanding dues.
In a significant development, an application seeking civil imprisonment as part of the execution proceedings has reportedly been filed. The application argues that despite adverse legal decisions being upheld at every judicial level, the awarded amount remains unpaid.
Addressing the media, Sandhu emphasized that his objective is not personal confrontation but the recovery of dues that have been recognized through legal processes. He stated that either the liability should be settled or the matter should proceed through the remedies available under law.
The allegations have generated considerable discussion within Punjabi film circles, particularly given Kang’s prominence and longstanding reputation in the industry. As legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to be closely watched by both the entertainment sector and the business community.
It is important to note that these allegations are part of ongoing legal proceedings, and any final determination regarding enforcement and liability will ultimately rest with the courts overseeing the matter.