JioStar has firmly denied allegations that its upcoming production is a sequel to the 2014 blockbuster Queen, vowing to vigorously contest the Rs 250-crore lawsuit filed by Phantom Studios. The corporate giant asserted that the new project is completely standalone and shares no creative or narrative connection with the original film.
Background of the Dispute
Phantom Studios, the production house behind Queen, filed a lawsuit in the Bombay High Court earlier this month, claiming that JioStar's new film infringes on their intellectual property rights. Phantom alleges that JioStar's project is essentially a sequel to Queen, which starred Kangana Ranaut and was directed by Vikas Bahl. The studio is seeking damages of Rs 250 crore and an injunction to halt production.
According to sources close to Phantom, the lawsuit is based on similarities in plot elements and character arcs, which they argue are derived from the original film's storyline. However, JioStar has categorically rejected these claims.
JioStar's Stance
In a statement issued on July 7, 2026, JioStar said, "We deny all allegations that our new production has any creative ties to the 2014 film Queen. The project is a completely original and standalone work, developed independently by our creative team. We will defend this lawsuit vigorously and are confident that the court will uphold our position."
The company emphasized that it respects intellectual property rights and has taken all necessary precautions to ensure originality. JioStar also noted that it has not used any characters, dialogues, or plot points from Queen in the new project.
Legal and Industry Implications
Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how sequels and derivative works are defined in the Indian film industry. If Phantom Studios succeeds, it could strengthen protections for original content creators. Conversely, a win for JioStar might encourage studios to develop projects with loose thematic connections without fear of legal repercussions.
The lawsuit also highlights the growing tension between traditional production houses and new media conglomerates. JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and Star India, has been aggressively expanding its content portfolio, investing heavily in original films and series.
Reactions from Key Figures
Kangana Ranaut, who played the lead role in Queen, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, sources close to the actress indicate that she is monitoring the situation closely. Director Vikas Bahl, who co-wrote and directed Queen, has also remained silent.
Industry insiders are divided. Some believe that Phantom's claim has merit given the iconic status of Queen, while others argue that JioStar's project is distinct enough to avoid infringement. The case is expected to be heard in the Bombay High Court later this month.
Impact on JioStar's Pipeline
Despite the legal challenge, JioStar has confirmed that production on the new film will continue as planned. The company has not disclosed the title, cast, or release date of the project, but sources say it is a high-budget production aimed at a pan-India audience. JioStar's legal team is preparing to file a detailed response to the lawsuit, likely arguing that the similarities cited by Phantom are generic and not protectable under copyright law.
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are expected to present expert testimonies and evidence to support their claims. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for intellectual property disputes in Bollywood.
