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Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment takes legal action against extortion and malicious online threats

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 11:45 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Fights Back: Legal Action Taken Against Online Extortion and Threats

In a stark reminder of the increasingly perilous digital landscape that surrounds the Indian film industry, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE) has formally lodged a police complaint against a perpetrator accused of extortion and malicious online threats. The production house, renowned for its recent releases such as “Meri Bhi To Khatir” and the upcoming action‑drama “Veer: The Warrior’s Tale,” has taken a hard line in protecting its reputation and financial interests.

The Incident

On 23 February 2023, a user on the social media platform Instagram posted a series of harassing messages that allegedly demanded a sum of ₹50 lakh from NGE in exchange for “silence.” The messages also threatened to leak “unverified, damaging information” regarding the company’s ongoing film projects and personal details of its executives. The individual’s handle, @JaanishKhatarnak, was traced to a user based in Hyderabad, who allegedly used a forged identity to amplify the intimidation.

In response, NGE’s legal counsel, Mr. Rahul Singh of Sharma & Associates, filed a formal complaint under Section 164 (Extortion) and Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code with the Mumbai Police. The complaint also invoked the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, citing violations of Section 66A (Sending offensive messages) and Section 66C (Identity theft). It states that the accused’s actions constitute a “serious attempt to coerce money by fear and threat” and “constitute a breach of privacy and reputation.”

NGE’s Statement

In a brief press release, NGE spokesperson Ms. Shweta Nandi expressed the company’s resolve:

“We are deeply disappointed by the malicious attempt to extort funds and tarnish our reputation. The safety of our employees, partners, and the integrity of our projects is paramount. We have taken this matter seriously and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

The statement also highlighted that NGE has not only a robust legal team but also a Digital Security Unit that monitors online threats in real time. “We employ advanced analytics to detect coordinated harassment campaigns,” Ms. Nandi added, underscoring the proactive stance the company is taking to shield its stakeholders from cyber threats.

The Bigger Picture: Online Harassment in Bollywood

NGE’s case is not an isolated incident. The Indian film industry has witnessed a spate of similar threats, ranging from the flooding of social media handles with hate messages to publicly demanding money from producers in exchange for “non‑exposure.” The rise of “shadow” influencers—individuals with large followings but unclear real identities—has compounded the problem. In 2022, the producer Aman Chopra of “Ghazal: The Sound of Silence” filed a complaint for a similar threat that demanded ₹30 lakh.

Industry watchdogs and cybersecurity experts note that the convergence of personal branding and online reputation makes entertainment companies especially vulnerable. The “digital dark web” has made it easier for fraudsters to target high-profile entities without traceability. While some cases have led to swift arrests, others have languished due to jurisdictional challenges and the anonymity afforded by social media platforms.

What’s Next for NGE?

The complaint has prompted a joint investigation by the Mumbai Police’s Cyber Crime Cell and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The accused, a 29‑year‑old Hyderabad-based entrepreneur named Sanjay Reddy, has been identified by CCTV footage taken at a local coffee shop where he allegedly met with a representative of a “digital extortion ring.” Reddy was allegedly offering a “one‑time” payment for “non‑leakage” of rumors about the company’s film “Veer: The Warrior’s Tale.” However, the investigation remains ongoing, and no chargesheet has yet been filed.

NGE’s Digital Security Unit has also initiated a public awareness campaign urging stakeholders—actors, technicians, and fans—to report any suspicious activity. The company’s social media team is actively monitoring for potential threats and has updated all its accounts with new verification badges to deter impersonation.

Company Profile: A Legacy in Production

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is a relatively new entrant in a family steeped in Bollywood legacy. The company was founded in 2020 by Rahul Nandi, a nephew of the legendary producer Ajay Kapoor Nadiadwala. Under Rahul’s guidance, NGE has quickly risen to prominence, producing “Meri Bhi To Khatir” (2021) and “Bharat Ka Bhoot” (2022), both of which were commercially successful. The company prides itself on a blend of “traditional storytelling” and “cutting‑edge technology,” including 3D animation and AI‑driven post‑production techniques.

The Legal Landscape: Protecting Creative Property

The legal framework in India currently addresses cyber extortion under the IT Act, but many experts argue that it is under‑funded and slow. According to the National Cyber Security Policy 2022, the government aims to increase the cyber‑crime budget by 30% in the next fiscal year, a move that could help industry players like NGE get more rapid support from law enforcement.

In the meantime, NGE has partnered with the Cyber Crime Helpline (https://cybercrime.gov.in) and the Cybersecurity Helpline for Industries (https://cybersecurity.gov.in) to share threat intelligence. The company is also lobbying for a new “Creative Industries Protection Bill” that would provide stronger legal safeguards for film and music production houses against online extortion.

Conclusion

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment’s decisive legal action marks a significant step for the Indian film industry. By confronting an online extortion attempt head‑on, NGE is sending a clear message that digital harassment will not be tolerated. As the industry continues to navigate the challenges of the digital age—where reputation is just a click away—robust cyber‑security protocols and vigilant legal frameworks will be indispensable in safeguarding creative talent and business interests alike.