Dharma Productions has been a shining example of cinematic excellence, cultural innovation, and the dazzling spirit of Indian filmmaking. If you’re a fan of Bollywood, chances are you’ve cheered, laughed, or maybe even teared up while watching a Dharma Productions movie. Founded in 1976 by Yash Johar, Dharma Productions has been the heart of countless memorable cinematic moments that connect deeply with audiences both in India and across the globe.
The Beginning of Dharma Productions
Yash Johar was a visionary with a real passion for storytelling. Back in the mid-70s, when the silver screen was eager for new stories, Yash Johar entered the scene with a simple dream: to make movies that people connect with.
The films under his banner set the tone for what would become a symbol of quality and excellence. Over the years, movies like “Dostana,” “Agneepath,” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” have been celebrated as milestones—each one showcasing Dharma Productions’ strong dedication to brilliant filmmaking and heartfelt stories.
From Yash Johar to Karan Johar
Losing Yash Johar in 2004 was a sad moment, but his inspiring legacy continued to shine brightly. His son, Karan Johar, who was already a talented director and creative visionary, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. He led Dharma Productions into an exciting new chapter, turning it into a hub for innovative ideas and young talent. With hits like “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” and “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,” Dharma cemented its place as one of Bollywood’s most admired production companies.
Nurturing New Talents
After 2008, Dharma Productions embraced a vibrant new phase by welcoming talented new directors like Ayan Mukerji, Punit Malhotra, Karan Malhotra, Shakun Batra, and many others. This brought in fresh ideas and helped create some of the most memorable films in recent times. They also started teaming up with major partners, co-producing movies like “The Lunchbox,” which was nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language at the 2015 British Academy Film Awards. Over the years, their collection of successful films has grown to over thirty, including collaborations with well-known companies like UTV Motion Pictures and Red Chillies Entertainment.
Futuristic Vision
To keep up with evolving viewer preferences and the growing popularity of digital platforms, Dharma Productions thoughtfully integrated Dharmatic Entertainment, its digital branch with a focus on delivering distinctive stories across fiction and non-fiction formats for OTTs. This innovative approach helped Dharma Productions maintain its strong presence in theaters while also connecting with a broader audience through streaming services. With successful films like Guilty (2020), Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021), Ae Watan Mere Watan (2024), Nadaaniyan (2025), and Aap Jaisa Koi (2025), they have beautifully combined classic filmmaking with modern storytelling to expand their creative horizons.
A Transformative Partnership: Karan Johar & Adar Poonawalla
A significant milestone was reached when Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions sold a 50% stake to renowned industrialist Adar Poonawalla in October 2025 for a remarkable Rs 1000 crore. This wasn’t just a simple business deal; it was a clear statement of ambition. Karan Johar called the partnership a transformative step, setting the stage for exciting growth, fresh creative ideas, and a broader global presence.
Adar Poonawalla, known for his visionary leadership and international business expertise, brings valuable resources and fresh ideas, helping Dharma Productions reach new heights. Karan Johar continues to have creative control, making sure the true spirit and legacy of Dharma remain strong, even as new opportunities create an exciting path ahead. Adar Poonawalla’s investment is seen as a show of confidence in India’s film industry and a dedication to “expanding Dharma’s footprint across borders,” as mentioned in various media reports.
This joint venture has created excitement in the film community, with stakeholders and peers appreciating the important strategic partnership. The alliance with Adar Poonawalla holds exciting potential to bring about remarkable growth. It involves plans to expand into international markets, develop innovative digital experiences, and build top-notch studio facilities. Many industry experts think this partnership will shake up traditional norms, encourage creative experimentation, and strengthen Dharma Productions’ reputation as a truly global brand.
Noteworthy Projects & Upcoming Releases
In recent years, Dharma Productions has been behind some truly exciting movies and shows that have captured audiences’ hearts.
The company is also exploring streaming platforms like Prime Video and Netflix to reach global audiences. “Homebound” (2025), produced by Dharma Productions, is selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars). Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film received critical appreciation at the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won second runner-up in the prestigious International People’s Choice Award category, as well as the Warsaw and Zurich Film Festivals, where it won the Polish Film Institute Audience Award and the Best International Feature Film, respectively.
Dharma Productions as a Cultural Beacon
As Dharma Productions continues its exciting journey, it promises to inspire us with its incredible vision, creativity, and thoughtful leadership. From Yash Johar’s original dream to Karan Johar’s energetic guidance, and now with Adar Poonawalla’s valuable support, Dharma Productions remains a shining example in Indian cinema. With more than forty years of creative pursuit behind it, the future holds the promise of even more captivating stories and a positive impact on global entertainment.
