‘Queen 2’ Row: JioStar Breaks Silence on INR 250 Crore Lawsuit, Says Kangana Ranaut’s Upcoming Film Is an Independent Story
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film, widely known as 'Queen 2', is at the center of a major 250 crore legal battle. Phantom Studios has sued JioStar for alleged IP infringement, claiming the film is an unauthorized sequel to 2014's 'Queen'.
Bollywood is abuzz with a fresh legal tussle as Phantom Studios has filed a hefty INR 250 crore lawsuit against JioStar, alleging intellectual property (IP) infringement over Kangana Ranaut's recently wrapped film, controversially referred to as Queen 2. JioStar, however, has swiftly moved to clarify, asserting that the project is an entirely original narrative, bearing no relation to the acclaimed 2014 blockbuster. Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Queen 2’ in Legal Trouble? Phantom Studios Sues the Makers for INR 250 Crore for THIS Reason.
JioStar Responds to INR 250 Crore Legal Notice
The legal action, initiated by Phantom Studios in the Bombay High Court, seeks to halt the release of the upcoming film and demands INR 250 crore in damages. Phantom Studios claims to hold 50 per cent of the intellectual property rights to the original Queen, including the rights for any sequels or derivative works. According to their suit, consent was never granted for the development of what they perceive as a sequel. Reports indicate that Phantom Studios had issued a public notice in April and engaged in multiple communications with filmmaker Vikas Bahl and JioStar, but these efforts allegedly went unanswered before the legal route was pursued. The lawsuit comes just days after Kangana Ranaut announced the completion of filming.
In a decisive statement, JioStar (through its entity StarStudio18) rejected Phantom Studios' claims. The production house clarified its stance, stating, "StarStudio18 is presently working with Ms Kangana Ranaut on a fresh production that is an original, independent story. It has no narrative, character or creative connection to any prior work, and is neither a sequel nor a prequel to any existing title." JioStar further argued that the word "Queen" is a common noun and, as such, no single party can claim exclusive ownership over it, a claim they believe has no legal basis. The company has expressed full confidence in its legal position and is prepared to defend the case in court.
More About ‘Queen 2’
Kangana Ranaut's upcoming project, which has been widely referred to as Queen 2, marks her reunion with director Vikas Bahl, who helmed the original Queen. The original Queen, released in 2014, was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread praise and securing two National Film Awards, including Best Actress for Kangana Ranaut. It was jointly produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Phantom Films. Phantom Films was dissolved in 2018 but was later revived as Phantom Studios in March 2022.
The new film, currently in post-production, has completed its shooting schedule. While specific plot details and a confirmed official title beyond 'Queen 2' remain under wraps, the controversy adds an unexpected layer of anticipation to its eventual release. The matter is currently before the Bombay High Court, and industry observers are keenly watching the proceedings, which could potentially impact the film's theatrical rollout. ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’ Movie Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Intense, Gripping Performance Anchors Edge-of-the-Seat 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Thriller.
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut's most recent release, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, hit theatres on June 12, 2026. Directed by Manoj Tapadia and co-produced by Ranaut, the thriller focused on the bravery of hospital staff during the 2008 Mumbai attacks at Cama Hospital.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2026 01:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
