Dharma’s “Free Work” Confession Backfires: The Internet Isn’t Buying the Janhvi Kapoor Narrative

When Dharma Productions’ creative head Somen Mishra proudly revealed that Dhadak 2 and Homebound were among the studio’s “most tightly budgeted” films and that Janhvi Kapoor worked for free — it sounded like a story of creative sacrifice. But instead of applause, the claim sparked collective disbelief, sarcasm, and a fair bit of industry-side eye-rolling.

“Worked for free”? More like PR worked overtime.

Let’s be real — when a statement like “everyone took a pay cut” and “Janhvi didn’t charge a rupee” surfaces, it’s not humility people hear. It’s spin. Many in the film circle see it as a familiar Bollywood ritual: when a big banner wants to appear grounded, they pull the “budget restraint” card — complete with emotional soundbites about passion and art.Except this time, no one’s buying it. “Donating while announcing it on stage” — that’s how some described it, calling out the performative modesty behind the message.

“Carrot to HODs and writers” A polite way of saying promises, not paychecks

Inside circles joked that the “tight budget” strategy was less about creative discipline and more about pushing emotional IOUs on department heads and writers promising to “make it up next time.”It’s a clever business tactic, but an exhausting creative one. When the people actually shaping the film — the heads of departments, writers, and crew are asked to trade payment for future goodwill, the system starts to look less like a studio and more like a spiritual retreat.

The Janhvi Kapoor angle: Free role, paid attention

Even more eyebrow-raising was the part about Janhvi Kapoor working for free. Some industry watchers joked, “She didn’t charge, but the headlines did.” Whether intentional or not, the statement neatly ensured that every conversation about Homebound now carries Janhvi’s name even though her appearance, by most accounts, is a blink-and-miss cameo.

Critics argued that if the motive was genuine artistic contribution, it wouldn’t need public validation. The louder the “I worked for free” narrative, the more people start asking why it needed to be said in the first place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WojNkusud84

“Tight budget” but multiple reshoots make it make sense

Another point of confusion is financial logic. Both Homebound and Dhadak 2 reportedly went through several reshoots and delayed releases. If budgets were truly razor-thin, how did the studio afford the extra shooting schedules and extended post-production timelines?

The numbers don’t seem to match the narrative and that’s what’s fueling skepticism.

The deeper frustration: Performative humility in a star economy

Underneath the sarcasm lies something deeper fatigue with Bollywood’s recurring habit of turning ordinary production logistics into moral triumphs.There’s an emerging sentiment that the industry often expects applause for what should be standard professional responsibility.

When stars get international coverage for doing something “for free,” it doesn’t sit well with those who already take home a fraction of that the technicians, assistants, and creative teams who make the film possible.

As one insider summed it up privately:

“Those who are paid the least end up sacrificing the most, while those who can afford it get the PR halo.”

Final Word: Integrity doesn’t need a headline

There’s a big difference between a genuine passion project and a publicized act of sacrifice.When the focus shifts from the art itself to how selfless the artists claim to be, the sincerity gets lost in translation. Maybe the lesson here is simple: humility works best when it isn’t marketed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Janhvi Kapoor really work for free in Dhadak 2 and Homebound?

According to Dharma Productions’ creative head Somen Mishra, Janhvi Kapoor did not charge a fee for Homebound. However, many industry insiders believe this statement was more of a strategic PR narrative than a literal financial decision, especially since her appearance is reportedly a cameo.

2. Why did Dharma Productions claim Dhadak 2 was a low-budget film?

Mishra stated that both Dhadak 2 and Homebound were among Dharma’s most tightly budgeted projects, with several team members taking pay cuts. However, reports of multiple reshoots and postponed releases have led to doubts about how “low budget” these productions really were.

3. What role does Janhvi Kapoor play in Homebound?

Janhvi Kapoor’s role in Homebound is said to be a short cameo or supporting appearance. Despite limited screen time, her name has been prominently featured in marketing materials, leading to discussions about publicity versus actual contribution.

4. How did the film industry react to Janhvi Kapoor’s “worked for free” statement?

The reaction has been mixed. Some see it as a commendable move for creative collaboration, while others feel it’s a classic Bollywood PR maneuver designed to gain sympathy and attention rather than highlight genuine creative integrity.

5. Are low-budget claims becoming a trend in Bollywood?

Yes, increasingly, major studios are using “low-budget” and “sacrifice” narratives to promote authenticity. However, audiences and industry professionals are becoming more skeptical, often seeing these statements as branding tactics rather than transparency about production realities.