Bengaluru-based luggage bag makers file cheating case against the makers of Saaho

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based luggage bags manufacturing company approached Madhapur police of Cyberabad commissionerate in the city, against the makers of Prabhas-starrer Saaho. The firm had accused the team of cheating them to a tune of Rs 38 lakh and sought action against the makers. Outshiny India Pvt Ltd, who manufactures luggage bags under the brand name Arctic Fox, alleged that Saaho’s makers agreed to use their luggage bags in the movie. However, the makers did not honour the deal. Their bags were not seen in any part of the film, the company stated.

Vijay Rao, the Marketing Head of Outshiny India, stated that the partners of UV Creations — V Vamsi Krishna Reddy, Pramod Uppalapati and Vikram Reddy — approached their company through KWAN (South) Celebrity Services. Through KWAN’s CEO Himank Duvvuru, UV Creations told Outshiny that they would promote the brand through Saaho. The film’s makers promised the bag manufacturers that their bags would be used in the movie. Accordingly, the manufacturer entered into an agreement with the production house on July 8.

As per the agreement, the producer will ensure that the brand is showcased in relevant scenes of the film. Accordingly, the company paid Rs 37 lakh to UV Creations and Rs 1.49 lakh to KWAN for their allied services. The company was allowed to brand their company alongside Saaho. However, when the film released on August 30, 2019, Outshiny was shocked to learn that the producers haven’t used their brand in the movie.

Considering the grand release of Saaho, they reported that they had spent nearly Rs 1 crore for advertisements promoting their brand as well as the movie. They also promoted their bags at PVR Cinemas and did a lot of digital marketing to get good mileage out of the film.

“We have been defamed, and our brand image and reputation decreased in the market. All these losses happened because the producers of the movie violated the agreement,” Vijay Rao’s complaint stated.

Outshiny requested the makers to return their money, besides pay for the enormous losses they sustained. However, the producers have not responded. “They have all approached our company with a criminal and dishonest intention. Therefore, they are liable to pay an amount of Rs. 13,849,000 to our company.” he stated. Madhapur police started an inquiry into the allegations.