The spotlight is once again on Bollywood as Dharma Productions, one of India’s top film banners, finally broke its silence regarding the abuse allegations against the Director of Photography (DoP) of the upcoming film Homebound. The production house has strongly stated that no formal complaint was received by their internal committee regarding the matter. This statement comes after the internet buzzed with outrage, concern, and calls for accountability in the film industry.
The controversy started when anonymous social media users alleged that the DoP of Homebound was involved in inappropriate behavior and abusive conduct during the film’s production. The claims gained traction quickly, with many asking Dharma Productions to respond. After days of silence, the company has now issued a public clarification, stating that they take all such matters seriously but have not received any complaint through their official channels.
In a detailed statement shared on their official social media accounts, Dharma Productions explained, “We would like to state for the record that no complaint was received by our Internal Committee (IC) regarding this matter.” They further added that they have a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment or abuse of any kind, and their team is committed to creating a safe, professional, and respectful working environment for everyone involved in their projects.
The statement also mentioned that Dharma’s Internal Committee follows the guidelines laid out under the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act, and every project they undertake includes mandatory sensitization workshops, grievance redressal protocols, and anonymous reporting tools to ensure employee safety and transparency.
While the production house’s explanation may calm some nerves, the online reaction remains divided. Some users appreciated the clarity and professionalism of the response, while others questioned why such serious allegations had to be addressed only after public pressure. Many people believe that even if no complaint was officially filed, the production house should independently investigate such allegations given their gravity.
What adds to the tension is the fact that Homebound has been generating buzz as one of Dharma’s most ambitious films this year. With a powerful cast and an emotional storyline, the film had already created high expectations among fans. Now, with the abuse controversy surrounding a key crew member, the film’s reputation risks being overshadowed by controversy rather than cinematic quality.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, the Indian film industry has been under close watch for how it handles workplace misconduct. In several past instances, complaints of sexual abuse or toxic work environments were either brushed under the rug or left unaddressed for years. This has made audiences more alert and insistent on seeing transparent protocols from large production houses like Dharma.
It’s important to understand that while social media provides a voice to victims and whistleblowers, it also creates a trial by public opinion. This puts companies in a tough position—balancing legal procedures with public relations. In Dharma’s case, they have emphasized the absence of a formal complaint, but that doesn’t automatically dismiss the concerns raised.
Several industry experts have now come forward to suggest that if Dharma really wants to uphold its reputation, it should go a step further and conduct an independent third-party review of the situation, regardless of whether a formal complaint was received. Such actions not only protect the integrity of the workplace but also restore faith in the institution.
Meanwhile, the identity of the alleged DoP has not been publicly confirmed, leading to widespread speculation and unfair targeting of various professionals. This again highlights the complex nature of digital discourse, where facts often get lost in the storm of opinions and assumptions.
Fans of Dharma Productions and the larger film fraternity are now calling for the implementation of more visible safeguards, such as listing the details of the Internal Committee on project sets, making reporting systems more accessible, and committing to zero-tolerance policies with timely action.
The Homebound controversy is also raising larger questions: How well are the big names in Bollywood adapting to new standards of professionalism and accountability? Are the people in power truly committed to empowering women and marginalized voices in the film world?
In light of this event, activists and mental health professionals are urging all film workers to come forward if they have experienced or witnessed abuse, assuring them that safe channels and support systems do exist. It also reminds the public of the need for responsible journalism and ethical social media conduct, especially when people’s careers and lives are at stake.
Dharma Productions has ended its statement by saying, “We remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in the industry. We urge everyone to approach such sensitive matters with care, sensitivity, and due process.”
As for Homebound, the film is still slated for release later this year, and Dharma has made no changes to the crew or its production plans. Whether this controversy will affect the film’s performance at the box office remains to be seen, but for now, it has placed the spotlight on how Bollywood handles allegations of misconduct—and how production houses must evolve in a changing world.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that silence is no longer acceptable, and all creative workplaces must be safe for everyone involved. Whether through policy reforms, transparent communication, or independent investigations, Bollywood must step up to ensure that accountability is not just a word but a practice.
