It won’t be wrong to say that filmmaker Karan Johar is one of the biggest names in Bollywood. However, the news about his banner Dharma Productions has created a tizzy on social media after the news about the label Saregama eyeing a majority stake in the company started to do the rounds. Social media users are wondering why Dharma Productions, with its so-called impressive hit list, is going to be acquired by Saregama. From ‘Jigra’ Onwards, Dharma Productions To Not Hold Press Screenings Before Release Day for THIS Reason.

The sale to Saregama points at financial struggles, despite the claimed success of Brahmastra: Part 1, JugJugg Jiyo, Bad Newz and Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani. A user on X, formerly called Twitter, wrote, “Karan Johar’s Dharma Production is in big financial soup”. Another said, “Bollywood producer Karan Johar and Kangana Ranaut’s enemy almost finished”. 70th National Film Awards: Rishab Shetty, Karan Johar, Manoj Bajpayee and Other Celebs Arrive in Style For the Prestigious Ceremony in Delhi (Watch Videos).

'Financial Soup'

'Really Bad'

Established in 1979 by filmmaker Yash Johar, the banner’s first production was the 1980’s Raj Khosla's Dostana starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman. It then went on to make films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Dostana to name a few. The production banners’ recent projects include Raghav Juyal-starrer Kill, Siddharth Malhotra’s Yodha, Mr & Mrs Mahi with Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao and Vicky Kaushal, Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri’s Bad Newz. The banner’s next is Jigra starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina, which is scheduled to release this week in the theatres.

The news about the label eyeing a major chunk of the stake in Dharma Productions comes around the time when box-office numbers have become unpredictable and shooting star fees, which is making it tough for production companies to operate independently. Karan too had discussed “unprecedented” compensation by movie stars. He had said that some leading actors had demanded Rs 40 crore in fees for Kill and added that he was stunned as it was the entire budget of the film.

Apart from Jigra, Dharma Productions’ next film, which is queued up for release is Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari starring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is written and helmed by Dhadak maker Shashank Khaitan. The film stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, the romantic comedy also features Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul, Akshay Oberoi, Manoj Joshi and Nishigandha Wad in pivotal roles. The film is slated to be released in theaters on April 18, 2025.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2024 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).