Janhvi Kapoor Stars in ‘Homebound’ as Crew Takes Pay Cut, Says Dharma Productions

Somen Mishra Discusses Profitability

Somen Mishra, the creative head of Dharma Productions, commented on the financial performance of recent films, including *Dhadak 2* and *Homebound*. Despite low box office numbers for both, Mishra asserts that the studio did not incur losses.

Recent offerings from Dharma, like *Dhadak 2* and *Homebound*, may not have set the box office ablaze, but Mishra claims they still managed to remain profitable. These films received positive reviews but struggled financially.

Insights on Project Budgets

In a conversation with a leading entertainment outlet, Somen Mishra elaborated on the budget strategies for *Dhadak 2* and *Homebound*. He emphasized that keeping budgets tight ensured profitability.

He shared that the team, including *Janhvi Kapoor*, accepted pay cuts to facilitate the production of *Homebound* at a lower cost. This collaborative effort allowed them to prioritize creative output over financial risk.

Mishra explained that Dharma Productions often recovers costs through channels such as music and digital rights before the films even release. This careful financial strategy enables them to avoid significant losses, debunking the myth that commercial films are always a risk.

Box Office Performance

*Dhadak 2*, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, grossed around ₹29 crore at the box office. While its performance was considered disappointing, it received acclaim when released on streaming platforms.

Similarly, *Homebound*, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, earned just ₹3 crore during its limited theatrical run. Despite its modest box office returns, this film holds the distinction of being India’s official entry for the Oscars this year.

Have your thoughts changed about how commercial films manage profitability?