Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dharma vs. Humble: Punjabi film deal dispute heads to court
Dharma vs. Humble: Punjabi film deal dispute heads to court
16 Feb
Summary
- Dharma Productions alleges wrongful termination of a Punjabi film services contract.
- The company seeks interim protection pending arbitration over alleged Rs 7.25 crore losses.
- A Bombay High Court hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2026.
Dharma Productions, led by Karan Johar, has approached the Bombay High Court asserting wrongful termination of a services contract with Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO concerning the Punjabi film 'Viyaah Kartaare Da'. The petition, filed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeks urgent interim protection as arbitration proceedings are underway. A reply from Humble Motion Pictures is expected, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18, 2026.
The core of the dispute involves a services agreement executed on December 10, 2025, wherein Dharma was to provide consultancy and marketing services. Dharma contends it was not responsible for production costs and was entitled to revenue shares until recouping a fixed amount of Rs 7.03 crores, which also aimed to recover prior losses.
Humble Motion Pictures allegedly sent an email on January 21, 2026, terminating the agreement, citing a lack of desire for Dharma's services. Dharma argues the contract lacks a termination-at-will clause and no breach on its part was specified, noting Humble had already benefited from Dharma's brand association.
Dharma is seeking injunctive relief to prevent Humble from acting on the termination and has requested protective monetary measures, including depositing Rs 7.03 crores. The Bombay High Court will consider these interim reliefs on February 18, 2026.
