The Economic Times reported that Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) is in talks to purchase a share in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. If completed, the agreement will bolster Reliance’s standing in the Indian entertainment industry by enhancing its current holdings. It includes Viacom18 Studios and Jio Studios.
Reliance industries acquire Dharma productions
Karan Johar owns 90.7% of Dharma Productions, while his mother, Hiroo Johar, owns 9.24%. The company is actively looking for strategic alliances. According to the ET article, Bollywood studios have faced difficulties due to rising production costs, dwindling theater attendance, and the growing popularity of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, necessitating new expenditures.Reliance has expressed interest in investing in entertainment businesses in order to increase its media reach.
RIL previously purchased a minority interest in Balaji.
According to a different source cited by Economic Times, “Dharma could be pursued with a similar structure.” Jio Studios, Viacom18 Studios, Colosceum Media, and a minority interest in Balaji Telefilms are already part of RIL’s expanding entertainment portfolio.With movie office receipts of ₹700 crore in FY24, Jio Studios has become a significant participant.According to the study, Stree 2 was one of its co-productions. became the highest-grossing Hindi film ever.
