Imagine a blockbuster film deal suddenly falling apart, leaving one of Bollywood’s biggest production houses in a legal battle. That’s exactly what’s happening with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, which has now filed a plea in the Bombay High Court against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO. The allegation? Wrongful termination of a services contract for the upcoming Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dharma claims it was blindsided by an abrupt termination email, despite having already invested its brand value and efforts into the project. Could this be a case of unfair business practices, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
In a move that has sent ripples through the industry, Dharma Productions has sought urgent interim protection under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. The case is set for a hearing on February 18, with Humble Motion Pictures having requested time to file its response on February 12. At the heart of the dispute is a services agreement signed on December 10, 2025, where Dharma was to provide consultancy, marketing, and allied services for the film. But this wasn’t just any deal—it was also structured to help Dharma recover losses of approximately Rs 7.25 crores from a previous joint venture with Humble.
And this is the part most people miss: Dharma argues it had no obligation to bear production costs for the Punjabi film. Instead, it was entitled to specific revenue shares until it recouped a fixed amount of Rs 7.03 crores. However, Humble allegedly terminated the agreement via email on January 21, 2026, stating it no longer wished to avail Dharma’s services. The twist? Dharma claims the contract lacks a termination-at-will clause and that no breach of contract was ever alleged against them.
In its petition, Dharma has sought injunctive relief to prevent Humble from acting on the termination email and has demanded protective monetary measures. These include directing Humble to deposit 50% of the film’s overflow revenues, furnish detailed financial accounts, and deposit Rs 7.03 crores with the court. The case raises intriguing questions about contractual fairness and the value of brand association in the film industry.
Here’s the burning question: Is Humble Motion Pictures justified in terminating the deal, or has Dharma been unfairly sidelined after contributing its brand goodwill? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. As the legal drama unfolds, one thing is clear—this battle is about more than just money; it’s about trust, reputation, and the unwritten rules of Bollywood partnerships. Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes showdown!
