'I want people to see where the money went': Rajpal Yadav to release 'Ata Pata Laapata' clips on social media

Rajpal Yadav recently addressed the drawn-out cheque-bounce legal battle stemming from his first film as producer, ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. He turned himself in at Tihar Jail this February, facing charges from a 2012 incident where he took Rs 5 crore from producer Madhav Gopal for the project.

Rajpal Yadav denies fraud allegations

During an interaction with SCREEN and a subsequent Mumbai press conference, Rajpal insisted the issue wasn't fraud or a loan default. He blamed it on the investor's "bad intentions," claiming Madhav Gopal kept altering their agreement—changes he accommodated. Rajpal further accused the businessman of obtaining a High Court stay order right before the film's release, which crippled his debut production.

Rajpal Yadav recalls 2005 origins

The actor detailed how the saga started back in 2005 with friend Mithilesh Kumar keen to back a film idea. Hit by the 2008 economic downturn and an extended actors' strike that stalled his projects, he shifted gears to produce ‘Ata Pata Laapata’ using theatre talent. “In 2010, when I went to my village, Mithilesh mediated between me and Madhav Gopalji. I asked him to come to Mumbai and see everything; he came down and saw 70 percent of the film. That evening, he offered to invest Rs 5 crore," Rajpal shared.

Rajpal Yadav on the deal and stay order

He noted that they signed an agreement in July 2010: he'd repay Rs 8 crore post-release for the Rs 5 crore investment, followed by two more pacts. Yet, he alleges Madhav Gopal got a stay order before the film's launch, even though payments weren't due for months. The High Court eventually allowed the release, and Rajpal issued post-dated cheques, but tensions boiled over when Madhav called a press conference branding Rajpal a fraudster.

Rajpal Yadav reveals box office loss

The scandal blocked ‘Ata Pata Laapata's theatrical run, Rajpal revealed. He'd secured 1,000-1,200 PVR screens, with Amitabh Bachchan at the music launch, but it barely hit 200. “Within 24 hours, the film was out of theatres," Rajpal said. “It was destroyed one day before release. I had invested Rs 10-12 crore, and 20-22 crore went into making the film." The damage spread to over 20 investors—some refunded, others supportive, many financially hit. He'd mortgaged his property and taken bank loans to fund it. “Rs 5 crore put Rs 20-22 crore at stake," he stressed, believing the investor should have allowed the release despite disagreements.

Rajpal Yadav plans social media clips

Rajpal revealed the film hasn't sold satellite rights or landed on OTT. Now, he plans to drop short clips on social media to showcase its ambition and hard work. “We shot for 76 days. There were real artistes, not CGI crowds. I want people to see where the money went," he said.

Rajpal Yadav explains decade delay

Though Rajpal has kept working steadily in films, he faced questions on why the case dragged on for over a decade. He explained he's open to settling dues but feels the investor pushed for court. “Why would I have asked for help from the industry? I am self-sufficient. The industry has supported me for 25 years. It is like a family," he said. He emphasized his solid income sources beyond movies and dedication to acting. “I have been here for 25 to 30 years, and I wish to be around for another 500 years," he added.

Rajpal Yadav's career moves ahead

Professionally, Rajpal Yadav's career is buzzing with upcoming projects, including his digital debut. He's freshly launched a YouTube channel, signaling a bold new phase. Amid the ongoing ‘Ata Pata Laapata’ legal saga, he attributes it to misunderstandings and ulterior motives, not any wrongdoing and is determined to set the record straight publicly.

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