Muchhal hits back with INR100bn defamation suit in Smriti Mandhana row

WEB DESK: The sensational fallout from cricketer Smriti Mandhana and composer Palash Muchhal’s cancelled wedding has exploded into a high-stakes legal war, dramatically shifting the narrative from salacious allegations to a battle over reputation and damages worth a staggering INR100 crore.

Music composer Palash Muchhal has filed a defamation lawsuit of that magnitude against actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, a self-proclaimed childhood friend of the Indian cricket vice-captain. This legal offensive is a direct response to Mane’s explosive claims last week that Muchhal was caught infidelity during pre-wedding festivities and allegedly defrauded him of INR40 lakh.

From Social Media Spectacle to Courtroom Showdown

The scandal, which has captivated the nation since the couple’s quiet split in December 2025, has entered a new and more serious phase. Muchhal confirmed the legal action via an Instagram story, labeling Mane’s allegations as “false, outrageous, and highly defamatory.” He asserted the claims were a malicious attempt to destroy his professional standing.

This move effectively reframes the public conversation. What began as a private tragedy and morphed into a he-said-she-said social media drama is now a matter for the courts. Legal experts suggest the suit’s enormous sum is designed to be punitive, aiming to completely discredit the source of the allegations.

“A defamation suit of this scale isn’t just about compensation; it’s a statement,” explained Mumbai-based media lawyer Priya Desai. “It signals an aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to clear one’s name. The burden of proof now critically shifts back to the accuser, Mane, to substantiate his very serious claims.”

The Core of the Conflict: A Failed Film Investment

At the heart of the dispute lies a tangled financial agreement. According to legal documents accessed by Hindustan Times, Vidnyan Mane was introduced to Muchhal by Smriti Mandhana’s father. Mane, a film financier, invested INR40 lakh in Muchhal’s upcoming film project, Nazariya, expecting an OTT release and returns.

Mane alleges the project stalled and Muchhal first promised repayment, then ghosted him. He further claims the Muchhal family pressured him for an additional inr10 lakh investment, threatening total loss otherwise.

Muchhal’s legal team has forcefully denied these financial fraud allegations. His lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, questioned both Mane’s timing and credibility. “Why did these claims only surface after the wedding was called off? The only connection here is through Ms. Mandhana’s father. My client is exploring all legal avenues to protect his integrity,” Mithare stated.

Deafening Silence from the Cricket Camp

Amidst the legal crossfire, Smriti Mandhana has maintained a resolute and dignified silence. The star batter has returned to national team training, with her social media reflecting only professional commitments and athletic focus. Her camp has offered no comment on Mane’s allegations or Muchhal’s lawsuit, a silence that speaks volumes in the current media storm.

This stark contrast in response, Muchhal’s litigious fury versus Mandhana’s disciplined quiet, highlights the divergent paths the former couple has chosen in navigating the scandal. For Mandhana, the refuge appears to be the cricket pitch. For Muchhal, it is the courtroom.

Public Narrative in the Balance

The defamation suit has temporarily sidelined the prurient details of the original allegations, forcing the public to consider credibility, evidence, and motive. However, the shadow of the cancelled wedding, originally attributed to family illness, still looms large. Mane’s unverified claims of a “bhayanak scene” involving other cricketers have not been addressed by any party besides Muchhal’s blanket denial.

As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the Bombay High Court. The proceedings will determine not only the truth of the financial and personal allegations but also set a precedent for how high-profile personal scandals are weaponized in India’s digital age. One thing is certain: the story of the Mandhana-Muchhal split is no longer about a broken engagement, but a bruising fight for legal and public vindication.