Karan Johar's Dharma Productions slapped with lawsuit in US

The production house which had tied up with Australia-based Swish Films shot for a few scenes in Philadelphia last autumn but left owing money to hundreds of local actors and vendors, the Philadelphia Daily News website reported.

Now, the two companies have been sued, according to documents filed in Common Pleas Court here, the report said.

The lawsuit reportedly seeks in excess of USD 150,000 to be paid for the services and expenses.

The lawsuit also requests a restraining order that would prevent representatives of Dharma Productions from leaving US with the footage already shot, the report said.

The dispute reportedly started when a Swish producer sent out cheques in December last year asking actors, vendors and crew members to wait till January 9 to cash them. The cheques bounced leaving more than USD 500,000 in unpaid bills.

Dharma Productions reportedly offered certain workers half the amount they owe in return for signing a waiver that nullifies any legal action against the company. In other cases, Dharma paid the full amount.