Filmmaker Karan Johar is one of Bollywood’s most prominent figures, but recent rumors about his banner, Dharma Productions, have stirred up a frenzy on social media. The speculation that Saregama is interested in acquiring a majority stake in Dharma Productions has left many users questioning why a company with such a celebrated track record is facing potential acquisition.
Financial Struggles Despite Successes
Despite the recent successes of films like Brahmastra: Part 1, JugJugg Jeeyo, Bad Newz, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, the possibility of a sale to Saregama suggests underlying financial challenges. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, remarked, “Karan Johar’s Dharma Production is in big financial soup.”
Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is in financial soup. In last 4 years, @DharmaMovies hasn’t churned out a single HIT.
Hence, #KaranJohar wants to sell majority stake in Dharma to raise funds for his next films.
Imagine a few FRAUD ‘analysts’ were calling #Brahmastra &… pic.twitter.com/eNdEs6dX9q
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) October 7, 2024
Another added, “Bollywood producer Karan Johar and Kangana Ranaut’s enemy almost finished.”
Dharma Productions, established in 1979 by Yash Johar, debuted with the 1980 film Dostana, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman. The banner is known for producing iconic films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kal Ho Naa Ho. Their recent projects include Kill, starring Raghav Juyal, Yodha with Siddharth Malhotra, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, and Bad Newz starring Vicky Kaushal, Ammy Virk, and Triptii Dimri. The upcoming release, Jigra, featuring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina, is scheduled to hit theaters this week.
Challenges in the Industry
The news of Saregama’s interest comes at a time when box office performances have become increasingly unpredictable. Karan Johar has previously discussed the “unprecedented” compensation demands from movie stars, revealing that some actors asked for as much as Rs 40 crore for their roles in Kill, a sum that matched the film’s entire budget.
Future Projects
In addition to Jigra, Dharma Productions has another film lined up for release: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, this romantic comedy features Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in leading roles, along with Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul, Akshay Oberoi, Manoj Joshi, and Nishigandha Wad in supporting roles. The film is set to release in theaters on April 18, 2025.
