Dharma Productions Sues Film Company Over Punjabi Movie Deal

Dharma Productions has filed a case in the Bombay High Court. They say a company called Humble Motion Pictures wrongly ended a deal for a Punjabi movie called ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’ Dharma Productions wants the court to help them get money and stop the other company from breaking the agreement.
By Newsroom | Film Industry, Legal News |

Context of the Dispute

Dharma Productions filed a petition with the Bombay High Court on February 12, 2026, seeking urgent interim protection. The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, aims to preserve the status quo pending arbitration proceedings.

The core of the legal action is the termination of a services agreement between Dharma Productions and Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO. This agreement was related to the production and marketing of the Punjabi feature film ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’

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Dharma Productions claims it fulfilled its contractual obligations, including promoting the film through its social media platforms. The company states it had no obligation to cover production costs for the Punjabi film.

Dharma Productions alleges Humble Motion wrongfully terminated their services agreement for the Punjabi film ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da,’ leading to a legal challenge in the Bombay High Court.

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In its petition, Dharma Productions has made several key demands:

  • Injunctive Relief: Dharma seeks to restrain Humble Motion from acting on the termination email and from engaging in any activities contrary to the services agreement.

  • Deposit of Funds: The production house has requested an order directing Humble Motion to deposit Rs. 7.03 crore with the court. This amount is sought as security pending arbitration.

  • Performance of Obligations: Dharma is also asking the court to direct Humble Motion to fulfill its part of the agreement.

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Dharma Productions contends that Humble Motion’s stated reason for termination – that Humble was “no longer desirous of availing Dharma’s services” – is without merit. The company also asserts that Humble Motion has already benefited from Dharma’s brand association and goodwill.

Dharma is asking the court to stop Humble Motion from going against their contract and to make them pay Rs. 7.03 crore as security.

Background of the Agreement

The services agreement between Dharma Productions and Humble Motion Pictures was reportedly signed in December 2025. Under this agreement, Dharma was to provide marketing and consultancy services for ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’

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Dharma Productions claims it had previously incurred losses of approximately ₹7.25 crore on an earlier film, ‘Akaal -The Unconquered.’ The company was expecting to recover these losses through its association with ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’

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The deal was struck in December 2025, with Dharma providing marketing services. Dharma claims they hoped to recover past losses through this project.

This is not the first time Dharma Productions has been involved in legal disputes:

  • Copyright Infringement Claims: In December 2025, Trimurti Films Pvt Ltd filed a lawsuit against Dharma Productions and others in the Bombay High Court over the alleged unauthorized use and remixing of the song ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ from the film ‘Vishwatma’ in Dharma’s film ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.’ Trimurti Films sought Rs. 10 crore in damages and a permanent injunction. However, the Bombay High Court later refused to grant urgent interim relief to Trimurti Films.

  • Personality Rights Violations: The Bombay High Court has repeatedly ruled in favor of Karan Johar regarding his personality and publicity rights. In cases concerning films with titles like ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar,’ the court has issued injunctions to halt their release, stating that the unauthorized use of Karan Johar’s name, even with minor alterations, constitutes a violation of his rights and an attempt to commercially exploit his brand and reputation. These rulings affirm that Karan Johar’s name has established individuality and serves as a brand he has the economic right to control.

  • Failed Business Deals: Reports suggest that a potential deal between Dharma Productions and RPSG, led by Sanjiv Goenka, did not materialize due to concerns over specific legal clauses, including a "tag-along" clause. Similarly, Karan Johar’s partnership discussions with Adar Poonawalla also involved significant financial investment to broaden Dharma’s operations.

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| Case Type | Details | Outcome / Status ||—-|—-|—-|| Wrongful Termination | Dharma vs. Humble Motion Pictures (Punjabi Film Deal) | Case filed in Bombay HC, seeking injunction and financial security. || Copyright Dispute | Trimurti Films vs. Dharma Productions (Song Use) | Bombay HC refused interim relief to Trimurti Films. || Personality Rights | Film Title Violations (e.g., 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar') | Bombay HC upheld Karan Johar's rights, granted injunctions. || Business Deals | Dharma vs. RPSG; Dharma & Adar Poonawalla | Deals reportedly fell through or involved substantial investment. |*

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Dharma Productions has a history of legal disputes, including copyright issues and violations of personality rights, alongside significant business partnership negotiations.

Analysis of the Current Dispute

Dharma Productions' legal action against Humble Motion Pictures FZCO presents a clear claim of breach of contract. The company’s strategy to seek injunctive relief and a substantial security deposit underscores its intent to protect its commercial interests and ensure compliance with contractual terms.

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The core of Dharma's argument appears to be that Humble Motion lacked sufficient grounds for termination and that the termination notice was a contravention of the established agreement. The reference to Humble’s benefit from Dharma’s goodwill suggests a narrative where Humble Motion sought to disengage after realizing the value of the association.

The legal action by Dharma Productions suggests a calculated response to an alleged breach of contract, aiming to secure financial recourse and prevent further contractual violations by Humble Motion.

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Expert Commentary

Legal analysts note that cases involving the termination of services agreements often hinge on the specific wording of the contract and the evidence presented regarding the performance and alleged breaches by each party.

"The crucial aspect in such arbitration-related interim applications under Section 9 is to demonstrate a prima facie case and that the applicant is likely to suffer irreparable harm if interim relief is not granted," stated a legal expert familiar with arbitration proceedings. "The demand for a security deposit of Rs. 7.03 crore is a significant request, suggesting Dharma Productions believes its potential losses or the value of its services are substantial."

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Legal experts emphasize that Dharma must prove a strong initial case and the risk of significant, unrecoverable damage to succeed in its interim plea.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Dharma Productions has formally petitioned the Bombay High Court over the alleged wrongful termination of its film deal with Humble Motion Pictures. The company seeks court intervention to prevent further contractual breaches and to secure a significant financial deposit from Humble Motion.

The Bombay High Court has scheduled further hearings for this matter, with initial proceedings having taken place. The outcome of this case could have implications for the Punjabi film industry and the contractual relationships within film production and marketing.

The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the Dharma Productions case further, focusing on the alleged wrongful termination of the film agreement and the company's demands for injunctive relief and financial security.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Dharma Productions suing Humble Motion Pictures for?
Dharma Productions says Humble Motion Pictures wrongly ended their agreement for the Punjabi film ‘Vyaah Kartaare Da.’
Q: What does Dharma Productions want the court to do?
They want the court to stop Humble Motion Pictures from breaking the deal and to make them pay Rs. 7.03 crore as security.
Q: When did this deal start?
The agreement between the two companies was signed in December 2025.
Q: Has Dharma Productions been in legal trouble before?
Yes, Dharma Productions has faced other legal issues, including copyright claims and cases about using people's names and images without permission.