Dharma Productions, the prominent film company led by filmmaker Karan Johar, has filed a legal petition in the Bombay High Court against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, alleging the wrongful termination of a services agreement linked to the upcoming Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da. The petition, filed on February 16, 2026, seeks urgent court protection while arbitration proceedings take shape between the two parties.
Contractual Dispute Over ‘Viyaah Kartaare Da’
According to the petition, the two companies entered into a services agreement on December 10, 2025. Under the terms of the contract, Dharma Productions was to provide consultancy, marketing, brand support and allied services for Viyaah Kartaare Da, a Punjabi film produced by Gippy Grewal and Ravneet Kaur Grewal and slated for release on February 27, 2026.
The agreement was also structured to help Dharma recoup losses of approximately ₹7.25 crore allegedly suffered from a previous joint film venture with Humble Motion Pictures. As per the understanding, Dharma was not to bear production costs but was entitled to a share of revenue until it recovered a fixed amount of ₹7.03 crore under the contract.
Alleged Wrongful Termination
Dharma’s legal team alleges that after it fulfilled its promotional responsibilities, including marketing the film on social media, Humble Motion Pictures sent an abrupt email on January 21, 2026, terminating the agreement. The email reportedly stated that Humble “was no longer desirous of availing Dharma’s services.”
In its petition, Dharma argues that the contract did not contain a “termination-at-will” clause and that no claim of breach was ever made against Dharma. The production house further contends that Humble benefited from Dharma’s brand equity and promotional efforts before issuing the termination notice.
Reliefs Sought by Dharma Productions
Under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Dharma has asked the Bombay High Court to grant interim reliefs while the dispute is adjudicated through arbitration, as both sides originally agreed to resolve disputes under that framework.
The production house is seeking:
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A restraining order preventing Humble Motion Pictures from acting upon the termination notice.
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Directions compelling Humble to either pay or deposit 50% of overflow cinema collections and other revenues from the film with the court.
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An order for Humble to furnish detailed financial accounts relating to the film’s revenues.
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A directive to deposit a security amount of ₹7.03 crore with the court pending arbitration outcomes.