ED grills Vijay Deverakonda over 'Liger' investments: Reports
What's the story
Nearly 10 days after questioning Liger makers Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday, grilled Vijay Deverakonda for over eight hours, reportedly. The Telugu actor was called at ED's office at 8:00am regarding an investigation launched by the probe agency over his film Liger's source of investment, claimed reports. The film, co-starring Ananya Panday, marked Deverakonda's Hindi debut.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The ED initiated a probe, focusing on a money trail for suspected violation of the Foreign Exchange and Management Act (FEMA) after Congress leader Bakka Judson filed a complaint alleging dubious routes were used to make investments in Liger. He further alleged that some politicians also tried to convert their black money into white by investing in the film.
Probe
Previously, Jagannadh and Kaur were questioned
A few days back, on November 17, the probe agency had grilled Liger's director-co-producer Puri Jagannadh and actor-turned-producer Kaur for over 12 hours. They were issued a summons by the ED to appear before the investigating team. The agency has been trying to track down the money trail for Liger's investment, a film which reportedly made on a budget of Rs. 125 crore.
Controversies
Controversies surrounding 'Liger' and Deverakonda
Days before Liger was released in the theaters in August, the film and its lead actor, Deverakonda, saw itself in the midst of controversies. Several social media users started to trend #BoycottLiger on Twitter after Deverakonda gave out a statement in favor of Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha. Though it was Deverakonda's highly anticipated Hindi debut, the film tanked miserably at the box office.
Upcoming
Jagannadh and Deverakonda are to reunite for 'JGM'
Meanwhile, Deverakonda will once again reunite with his Liger director Jagannadh for another pan-Indian film, Jana Gana Mana (JGM). The film which was announced early this year is slated for a release in August 2023. Deverakonda will be seen in an army officer's role. As for Liger, the film which saw an extended cameo of American boxer Mike Tyson was backed by Dharma Productions.