BENGALURU: Kannada film director and actor Om Prakash Rao has been accused of allegedly cheating four people of ₹3.85 crore in connection with the proposed film Phoenix.
Bhaskar Shetty and three others have reportedly approached the Byadarahalli police and the Bengaluru city police commissioner, alleging that Rao collected money for the film’s production but failed to repay it as promised.
According to the complaint, Rao allegedly received a total of ₹3.85 crore in instalments after assuring the complainants that the money would be returned within six months. However, they claim that nearly three years have passed without repayment.
Shetty, who had earlier worked with Rao on the film Yodha, said his professional association with the director led him to trust him and provide the money.
The complainants alleged that Rao gave various reasons when asked to return the money and later became difficult to contact. Shetty further alleged that when he visited the director’s residence seeking repayment, he was abused, insulted and threatened.
The complaint also names Vasudeva Reddy, Vasanthamma and Jayalakshmi. It alleges that ₹40 lakh was obtained from Shetty, while more than ₹3 crore was allegedly collected from Vasudeva.
The complainants have sought appropriate legal action against Rao.
The allegations are yet to be established, and the director’s response to the complaint is awaited. Any criminal liability will depend on the findings of the investigation.