Dharma Productions, led by filmmaker Karan Johar, has initiated legal proceedings against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO in the Bombay High Court. The dispute centers around the alleged wrongful termination of a services contract pertaining to the upcoming Punjabi film, 'Viyaah Kartaare Da'. The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeks urgent interim protection ahead of arbitration. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 18, 2026, after Humble Motion Pictures requested time to file a reply.
Dispute Over Services Agreement
The core of the legal challenge stems from a services agreement executed on December 10, 2025, between Dharma Productions and Humble Motion Pictures. Under this agreement:
• Dharma was contracted to provide consultancy, marketing, and various allied services for 'Viyaah Kartaare Da'.
• The arrangement was also structured to enable Dharma to recoup significant losses, approximately Rs 7.25 crores, incurred from a prior film jointly produced by the two companies.
• Dharma has clarified that it had no obligation to bear any production costs for the Punjabi film. Instead, it was entitled to specific revenue shares until a fixed amount of Rs 7.03 crores was recovered as per the agreement.
Abrupt Termination and Legal Challenge
Dharma Productions asserts that after actively promoting the Punjabi film through its official social media channels, Humble Motion Pictures abruptly terminated the services agreement via an email on January 21, 2026. The stated reason, according to the plea, was that Humble no longer desired Dharma’s services. Dharma has strongly refuted the termination, arguing the following:
• The contract does not contain any 'termination-at-will' clause.
• No breach of contract has been alleged against Dharma Productions.
• Humble Motion Pictures had already benefited substantially from Dharma's strong brand association and goodwill before issuing the termination notice.
Reliefs Sought by Dharma Productions
In its comprehensive petition, Dharma Productions is seeking crucial injunctive relief and protective monetary measures from the Bombay High Court. The specific reliefs include:
• An injunction restraining Humble Motion Pictures from acting on the termination email or otherwise operating contrary to the terms of the services agreement.
• Directions mandating Humble to pay or deposit 50% of the overflow from cinema collections and other revenues generated from 'Viyaah Kartaare Da'.
• Directions for Humble to furnish detailed financial accounts related to the film.
• An order compelling Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crores with the court.
The Bombay High Court is expected to deliberate on these interim reliefs sought by Karan Johar's production banner during the upcoming hearing on February 18.
