Pratik Shah Faces Allegations: The Dark Side of Bollywood’s Spotlight
The Indian film industry, often celebrated for its glitz and glamour, has once again been thrust into the spotlight for less-than-glamorous reasons. Cinematographer Pratik Shah, known for his work on acclaimed projects like Jubilee, CTRL, and the recently premiered Homebound at Cannes Film Festival 2025, has deactivated his Instagram account amid serious allegations of emotional abuse and inappropriate behavior. The accusations, led by independent filmmaker Abhinav Singh, have sparked a firestorm of controversy, with multiple individuals sharing their experiences online, shedding light on a troubling pattern of misconduct.
The Allegations Surface
The controversy began when Abhinav Singh took to Instagram Stories to publicly call out Pratik Shah, accusing him of being “highly manipulative” and “emotionally abusive.” Singh claimed that several women had reached out to him, sharing accounts of Shah’s alleged misconduct over the years. These accusations have since been amplified by others, including filmmaker and writer Srishti Riya Jain, who posted screenshots on her Instagram Stories, referencing claims of inappropriate behavior spanning the past four years. Some have even labeled Shah a “predator,” pointing to discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users accused him of repeatedly sliding into women’s DMs and making them uncomfortable.
The timing of these allegations is particularly striking, as Shah’s latest project, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, recently garnered critical acclaim at Cannes. The film, which received a nine-minute standing ovation, was celebrated for its empathetic storytelling, making the contrast between its themes and the accusations against Shah all the more jarring.
Industry Response and Hypocrisy
The allegations have sparked broader conversations about accountability in Bollywood. Srishti Riya Jain, among others, criticized the industry’s hypocrisy, noting how projects like Homebound are lauded for their sensitivity while alleged misconduct behind the scenes is often ignored. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users like @MrNarci pointing out that Shah’s behavior was reportedly flagged to the Indian Women Cinematographers’ Collective four years ago, yet no significant action appears to have been taken at the time.
The deactivation of Shah’s Instagram account has only fueled speculation, with many interpreting it as an attempt to avoid scrutiny. While Shah has not publicly responded to the allegations, the online discourse continues to grow, with more individuals coming forward to share their experiences.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is not an isolated one in the Indian film industry, which has faced similar controversies in recent years. The #MeToo movement in Bollywood, which gained momentum in 2018, exposed numerous cases of harassment and abuse, prompting calls for systemic change. However, progress has been slow, and stories like this highlight the persistent challenges in addressing misconduct within the industry.
The accusations against Pratik Shah serve as a reminder that the glamour of cinema often masks a darker reality. As fans, we celebrate the art, but it’s equally important to hold those behind it accountable. The voices speaking out against Shah, amplified by social media, underscore the power of collective action in demanding transparency and justice.
What’s Next?
As of now, the allegations remain unaddressed by Shah or his representatives, and the industry awaits further developments. The controversy raises critical questions: Will there be a formal investigation? How will this impact Shah’s career and the legacy of Homebound? And, most importantly, what steps will the industry take to ensure a safer, more equitable environment for all?
For now, the conversation continues online, with social media platforms like X and Instagram serving as spaces for discussion, outrage, and solidarity. As we await more clarity, one thing is certain: the spotlight on Bollywood is shining brighter than ever, and it’s illuminating truths that can no longer be ignored.
Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Bollywood Bubble, and posts on X.