Dharma Productions, owned by filmmaker Karan Johar, has approached the Bombay High Court against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, accusing the company of wrongfully terminating a services contract related to the upcoming Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da. The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeks urgent interim protection pending arbitration proceedings between the parties. On February 12, 2026, Humble Motion Pictures requested additional time to file its reply, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18.
Dispute Over Services Agreement
The plea states that a services agreement dated December 10, 2025, was executed between Dharma Productions and Humble Motion Pictures. Under this agreement, Dharma was to provide consultancy, marketing, and allied services for Viyaah Kartaare Da. The contract was also structured to allow Dharma to recover losses amounting to approximately Rs 7.25 crores, allegedly incurred from a previous joint film produced by both companies.
Dharma maintains that it was not responsible for bearing any 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 under the agreement.
Termination Email and Legal Challenge
According to the petition, after Dharma promoted the film on its official social media platforms, Humble Motion Pictures abruptly terminated the services agreement via email on January 21, 2026. The stated reason was that Humble no longer wished to avail Dharma’s services.
Dharma argues that the contract contains no termination-at-will clause and that no breach of contract has been alleged against it. The production house further claims that Humble had already benefited from Dharma’s brand association and goodwill before issuing the termination notice.
Reliefs Sought by Dharma Productions
In its petition, Dharma seeks an injunction restraining Humble from acting on the termination email or violating the terms of the services agreement in any way.Additionally, Dharma requests protective monetary measures, including:
- Directions for Humble to pay or deposit 50% of the overflow from cinema collections and other revenues generated by the film.
- An order requiring Humble to furnish detailed financial accounts.
- A directive for Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crores with the court.
The Bombay High Court will next hear the matter on February 18, when it is expected to consider the interim reliefs sought by Dharma Productions.
