Filmmaker Karan Johar-owned Dharma Productions has approached the Bombay High Court against Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, alleging wrongful termination of the service contract related to the upcoming Punjabi film. I am going to get married.
Karan Johar’s Dharma files petition in Bombay HC alleging wrongful termination of Punjabi film deal
The petition has been filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeking urgent interim protection pending the arbitration proceedings between the parties. On February 12, 2026, Humble Motion Pictures sought time to file its reply. Now the hearing of this case is to be held on February 18.
dispute over service contract
According to the petition, a service agreement was executed between the parties on December 10, 2025. Under the agreement, Dharma was to provide consulting, marketing and affiliate services the one who gets married. This arrangement was also made so that Dharma could recover the loss it had reportedly incurred from the previous film jointly produced by both the companies, amounting to Rs 7.25 crore.
Dharma has argued that it had no obligation to bear any production costs for a Punjabi film. Instead, it was entitled to specified revenue shares until it withdrew a fixed sum of Rs 7.03 crore under the agreement.
Termination email and legal challenge
According to the petition, after Dharma promoted the film through its official social media handles, Humble Motion Pictures allegedly sent an email dated January 21, 2026, abruptly terminating the service agreement. According to the petition, the reason given was that Humble was no longer willing to avail of Dharma’s services.
Dharma has argued that there is no clause for termination at will in the contract and no allegation of breach of contract has been made against it. The production house further claimed that Humble had benefited from Dharma’s brand association and goodwill even before issuing the termination communication.
reliefs sought
In its petition, Dharma seeks injunctive relief to prevent Humble from forwarding the termination email or otherwise acting contrary to the terms of the service agreement.
Additionally, the company has sought protective monetary measures, including:
- Directs Humble to pay or deposit 50% of the overflow from cinema collections and other revenues generated from the film.
- Instructions for submission of detailed financial accounts.
- Order directing Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crore in the court.
The case will be next heard on February 18, when the Bombay High Court is expected to consider the interim relief sought by Dharma Productions.
