Actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, a childhood friend of India women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana, says the Bombay High Court has dismissed a defamation case filed against him by music composer Palash Muchhal. The singer is Mandhana’s former fiancé. Mane also said he now plans to start criminal proceedings against the composer. Muchhal’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment.
Vidnyan Mane reacts to the verdict
Vidnyan Mane said the order carries a larger message. According to the Hindustan Times report, Mane said, “This verdict conveys an important message: people should not file baseless and false cases in court merely to generate publicity.” He added that he “now plans to initiate criminal proceedings against Muchhal.”Mane claimed the case was dismissed because of procedural deficiencies. “No one is above the law, and compliance with judicial procedures is mandatory for everyone,” he said.
Vidnyan Mane’s warning of further action
Vidnyan Mane also spoke of what he plans to do next. He said, “I intend to bring before the public the various fabricated and imaginary stories that he has narrated so far and expose how people are being misled. I also want the truth to become known to his family members so that they too can understand the reality of his conduct and the alleged falsehoods and see the truth behind his actions. Very soon, I will initiate the necessary and appropriate judicial as well as criminal proceedings in this matter, strictly through lawful channels.”
How the dispute began
The legal fight came to light in January this year, weeks after Muchhal and Mandhana called off their wedding in December 2025. Mane had accused Muchhal of cheating him of Rs 40 lakh invested in the film ‘Nazaria’. As per his complaint, the two met in Sangli in December 2023, and Mane had transferred the money by March 2025. He alleged that the film was never completed and the money was never returned.Vidnyan Mane also made personal allegations against Muchhal, who denied them and sent him a Rs 10 crore defamation notice.
Earlier developments in the case
Reports state that Mane has accused Muchhal of cheating him of Rs 25-40 lakh, allegedly invested in 2024-25 for the unreleased film ‘Nazariya’, starring Shreyas Talpade. The dispute escalated after a November 22, 2025, altercation. Mane then filed an FIR accusing Muchhal of casteist remarks and threats under the SC/ST Act and relevant BNS sections. Muchhal has denied the allegations. In July 2026, a Sangli Sessions court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.
