Karan Johar's Dharma Productions moves Bombay High Court over film pact termination

Karan Johar's production house, Dharma Productions Private Limited, has moved the Bombay High Court against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO alleging wrongful termination of a services agreement linked to the upcoming Punjabi feature film ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’ [Dharma Productions Pvt Ltd v. Humble Motion Pictures FZCO].The petition filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act has sought urgent interim protection during the pendency of arbitration.The petition was listed on February 12 before Justice Sandeep Marne when Humble sought time to file a reply. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on February 18..According to Dharma's petition, the services agreement of December 10, 2025 was structured for Humble to render consultancy, marketing and allied services for the film and to enable recovery of losses of about ₹7.25 crore suffered on an earlier film produced with Humble. Under the agreement, Dharma says it had no obligation to bear production costs and was entitled to various revenue shares until recoupment of a fixed amount of ₹7.03 crore..According to the plea, after Dharma promoted the film through its official social media handle, Humble abruptly issued an email dated on January 21 to terminate the agreement on the ground that it was no longer desirous of availing Dharma’s services.As per the petition, the contract contains no termination-at-will clause, that no breach is alleged against it and that Humble has already benefited from Dharma’s brand association and goodwill..Dharma has sought injunctive relief restraining Humble from acting in furtherance of the termination email and from acting contrary to the Services Agreement. The company has also prayed for protective monetary measures including directions that Humble pay or deposit 50 percent of theatrical overflow and other revenues from the film, and furnish detailed financial disclosures. .The production house has also sought direction Humble to deposit ₹7.03 crore with the court..Senior advocate Surel Shah with advocates Yash Momaya, Parag Khandhar, Chandrima Mitra, Anaheeta Verma and Zara Dhanboora briefed by DSK Legal appeared for Dharma. Rakhee Bajpai Tiwari, legal head of Dharma, was also present.Advocates Rashmin Khandekar, Anand Mohan, Akshata Modi and Sunil Zalmi briefed by Dezalmi & Associates appeared for Humble..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.