Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma sentenced to jail in cheque bounce case, arrest warrant issued

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has been sentenced to three months in jail in connection with a cheque bounce case. The Andheri Magistrate Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday after seven years of hearings.

As per reports, Varma, known for films like Satya and Rangeela, was absent from the hearing, prompting the court to issue a non-bailable warrant (NBW) for his arrest.

Varma responded to the news in a statement, "This is related to a seven-year-old case involving a Rs 2.38 lakh amount tied to a former employee. It’s not about the money but about standing against attempts to exploit and fabricate. That’s all I can say for now as the matter is still in court."

The case stems from a dishonoured cheque issued by Varma's firm, an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which penalizes cheque dishonour due to insufficient funds. Varma has also been ordered to pay Rs 3.72 lakh in compensation to the complainant within three months or face an additional three months of imprisonment.

2018 cheque case: Key details

The case was filed in 2018 by the company Shree, represented by Maheshchandra Mishra, against Varma's firm. The filmmaker has faced significant financial struggles, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he had to sell his office. Varma was granted bail in June 2022 after submitting a personal bond and Rs 5,000 in cash security. However, during sentencing, Magistrate YP Pujari clarified that Varma was not entitled to any set-off under Section 428 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, as he had not served time in custody during the trial.

‘Syndicate’

In other news, Varma has revealed details about his upcoming film Syndicate, describing it as his most ambitious and terrifying project yet. The film will explore the rise of a menacing criminal organisation posing a grave threat to India.

Varma shared on X that while street gangs were a major concern in the past, the real danger today lies in the formation of a powerful syndicate comprising political forces, law enforcement, wealthy businessmen, and even military personnel.

According to Varma, Syndicate isn’t a supernatural horror film but rather a reflection of the horrific potential within human nature. The movie will address how crime and terror evolve over time, with Varma emphasising, "Crime and terror never die; they keep coming back in more deadlier forms."

Varma promises the film will be terrifying not due to supernatural elements but because it will expose the darkest aspects of human nature. He added that the film would open with a chilling statement: "Only man can be the most terrifying animal."

Further details about the cast and production will be announced soon.

 With inputs from ANI