Dharma Production is more than just a film production house- it’s a Bollywood institution. Known for creating some of the most iconic Hindi films, it holds a significant place in India’s cinematic history. Established in 1976, Dharma has consistently stayed ahead of the curve by embracing contemporary themes while maintaining deep cultural roots.
From Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, the brand has constantly reinvented itself to cater to changing audience tastes. Its name is synonymous with grandeur, emotion, and storytelling finesse.
Founder and Early History of Dharma
- Yash Johar founded Dharma Productions in 1976 with a vision of creating emotionally resonant films. His debut film Dostana (1980) was a massive hit, cementing Dharma’s presence in the industry. Under his stewardship, films like Agneepath and Duplicate made a mark for their quality and storytelling integrity.
- Though fewer in number, the films produced under Yash Johar’s direction laid the foundational ethics and production quality that Karan Johar would later expand upon.
Owner
- Karan Johar (50%)
- Adar Poonawalla (50%)
Popular Dharma Production Movies
Dharma’s filmography is a treasure trove of hits:
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
- Kal Ho Naa Ho
- Student of the Year
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- Raazi
- Brahmāstra
- JugJugg Jeeyo
- Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani
Each film has catered to various demographics—from family audiences to millennials—proving Dharma’s adaptability.
Movie Genres Produced
Dharma’s cinematic palette is diverse:
- Romantic Dramas: Core to their brand image (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)
- Family Entertainers: (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)
- Patriotic Thrillers: (Raazi)
- Fantasy/Action: (Brahmāstra)
- Slice-of-Life Youth Films: (Kapoor & Sons, Student of the Year)
This genre fluidity helps Dharma cater to a wide variety of audiences.
Notable Web Series
| Series | Platform | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| The Fame Game | Netflix | Drama |
| Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives | Netflix | Reality |
| Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl | Netflix | Biopic |
Collaborations with Stars
A long list of superstars has graced Dharma films:
- Shah Rukh Khan: Dharma’s golden boy since the 90s
- Alia Bhatt: Launched with Student of the Year
- Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Deepika Padukone, and more have repeatedly worked with Dharma, making it a talent-magnet.
Debut Launchpad
Dharma is renowned for launching new talent:
- Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra debuted together in Student of the Year.
- Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Ananya Panday were also introduced under the Dharma banner.
Its brand is closely associated with nurturing fresh faces.
Dharma’s Box Office Hits
Some notable blockbusters include:
| Movie | Year | Box Office (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | 2001 | ₹135 Cr |
| Raazi | 2018 | ₹196 Cr |
| Brahmāstra | 2022 | ₹431 Cr (Global) |
| Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani | 2023 | ₹355 Cr |
Awards and Recognitions
Dharma’s trophy cabinet includes:
- 6 National Film Awards
- 45+ Filmfare Awards
- IIFA and Stardust awards for best direction, screenplay, and debut performances
It is among the most awarded production houses in India.
Dharma Revenue Model
Dharma’s revenues flow from multiple streams:
- Theatrical releases (domestic and international)
- OTT Rights: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Satellite TV Rights
- Music Sales via partner T-Series
- Brand Collaborations and Licensing
Diversification ensures stability and growth.
Script Selection Process
Dharma’s content goes through rigorous selection via:
- In-house writers
- Creative consultants
- Market trend analysis
- Audience feedback loops
Dharma’s Casting Process
Actors are cast via:
- Auditions
- Talent scouts from DCA
- Industry networking and workshops
Aspiring actors can also apply through official portals.
Revenue
According to estimates, Dharma Production’s revenue in 2024 is expected to surpass ₹650 crores, with a major share from digital platforms. Brahmāstra and RRKPK significantly contributed to this surge, along with web content under Dharmatic.
Contact Information
Official Website: www.dharma-production.com
Email: contact@dharmamovies.com
Office Address:
Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd.
49, Linking Road, Bandra (West), Mumbai – 400050, India