Karan Johar’s Dharma Seeks Justice in Bombay HC Over Punjabi Film Deal Dispute
Dharma Productions, the film company led by Karan Johar, has taken legal action against Dubai’s Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, claiming wrongful termination of a services contract for the Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da. The petition, filed in the Bombay High Court, seeks urgent interim protection as arbitration proceedings are set to commence. The case is scheduled for a hearing on February 18, 2026, following Humble Motion Pictures’ request for additional time to respond.
Details of the Dispute
The conflict stems from a services agreement established on December 10, 2025, where Dharma Productions was contracted to provide consultancy, marketing, and related services for *Viyaah Kartaare Da*. This agreement was also intended to help Dharma recover approximately Rs 7.25 crores in losses from a previous collaboration with Humble Motion Pictures. Dharma asserts that it was not responsible for any production costs associated with the Punjabi film and was entitled to a specific revenue share until it recouped Rs 7.03 crores as outlined in the contract.
Dharma’s legal team argues that the agreement did not include a termination-at-will clause, and no breach of contract has been claimed against them. They emphasize that Humble Motion Pictures had already benefited from the association with Dharma’s brand before the termination notice was issued.
Termination of the Agreement
According to the petition, the situation escalated when Humble Motion Pictures sent an email on January 21, 2026, abruptly terminating the services agreement. The email stated that Humble no longer wished to utilize Dharma’s services. This action followed Dharma’s promotional efforts for the film on its official social media platforms.
Dharma Productions contends that the termination was unjustified and that the contract’s terms were not adhered to. They maintain that the abrupt cancellation of the agreement was not only unexpected but also detrimental to their interests, given the promotional work already completed.
Legal Relief Sought by Dharma Productions
In its petition, Dharma Productions is seeking several forms of injunctive relief. They are requesting that the court restrain Humble Motion Pictures from acting on the termination email or taking any actions that would violate the terms of the services agreement. Additionally, Dharma is asking for financial protections, which include directives for Humble to pay or deposit 50% of any excess revenue generated from cinema collections and other earnings related to the film.
Furthermore, Dharma is requesting detailed financial accounts from Humble Motion Pictures and an order for Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crores with the court. The upcoming hearing on February 18 will be crucial in determining the interim reliefs that Dharma Productions seeks in this ongoing legal battle.
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