Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions sues Humble Motion Pictures, alleging illegal termination of film services deal

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions sues Humble Motion Pictures, alleging illegal termination of film services deal

• Dharma sued Humble Motion over a terminated film services deal.
• Dharma seeks Rs 7.03 crore and revenue safeguards in court.
• Bombay High Court hearing set for February 18, 2026.

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Filmmaker Karan Johar‑led Dharma Productions has approached the Bombay High Court in a contractual dispute with Dubai‑based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, alleging that the latter wrongfully terminated a services agreement related to the Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da.

The production house has filed a petition seeking interim relief — including financial protections — ahead of arbitration proceedings between the parties.

As per Bollywood Hungama, the services agreement in question was signed on December 10, 2025, under which Dharma was to provide consultancy, marketing, brand support, and allied services for Viyaah Kartaare Da.

The deal was also structured to help Dharma recoup losses from a previous film investment.

However, in late January, Humble Motion Pictures allegedly sent an abrupt termination email without citing any breach by Dharma, prompting the lawsuit.

According to the legal plea, Humble prematurely pulled out and ended the contract on January 21, 2026, despite Dharma having already fulfilled its obligations, including promoting the film through its official channels.

Dharma has claimed that the termination was “illegal, arbitrary and mala fide” and that Humble unequally benefited from its services before suddenly withdrawing from the agreement.

As part of its relief plea, Dharma has asked the court to restrain Humble Motion from enforcing the termination notice and to secure roughly Rs 7.03 crore pending the arbitration process, which is intended to settle any substantive disputes between the two entities.

Other requests include directives for Humble to pay or deposit 50 per cent of revenue generated from the film or place equivalent funds with the court to safeguard Dharma’s interests during legal proceedings.

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“Directions for Humble to pay or deposit 50% of overflow cinema collections and other film revenues, submission of detailed financial accounts, and an order directing Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crore with the court." The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 18.

The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for February 18, 2026 in the Bombay High Court, where interim measures and priorities will be considered before arbitration begins.