Kangana Ranaut had only recently shared that filming on what she described as the “sequel” to her acclaimed 2014 hit Queen had been completed. But before excitement around the project could build further, the film has found itself at the centre of a major legal battle. Phantom Studios, one of the producers behind the original movie, has approached the Bombay High Court seeking to stop the project, claiming the makers moved ahead without obtaining its approval. The production house has also sought damages worth ₹250 crore, turning the film into one of the biggest copyright disputes in recent Bollywood memory.
The legal fight comes at a crucial stage for the project, especially after Kangana’s announcement drew attention from fans eager to see her return to one of her most celebrated roles. While the film’s official title and storyline remain under wraps, the use of Queen has now become the biggest point of contention. With both sides presenting completely different interpretations of the project, the matter is now likely to be decided in court.
Phantom Studios says it owns sequel rights
According to the lawsuit, Phantom Studios has argued that an agreement signed during the production of the 2014 blockbuster gave it equal ownership over any future sequel, prequel or derivative work connected to Queen. The production house claims that both it and the respondent, JioStar India Private Limited, were to hold 50 percent rights over such projects. Phantom further alleges that it never granted permission for any sequel, adaptation or related production to move forward. Based on those claims, the studio has asked the Bombay High Court to prevent the film’s release until the ownership dispute is resolved.
Court documents also state that Phantom Studios has been raising the issue with JioStar since May last year. According to the production house, repeated communication asserting its rights did not receive any response from the company. In its filing, Phantom said, “The plaintiff seeks to restrain the defendants from proceeding with the impugned film and to enforce the plaintiff’s rights as 50 per cent co-owner of the derivative rights in the film.” Along with seeking an injunction, the studio has demanded ₹250 crore in damages, arguing that its contractual rights have been violated.
The case has attracted attention across the industry because disputes over sequel and derivative rights have become increasingly common as studios revisit successful franchises. Contracts signed years ago often contain clauses governing future adaptations, spin-offs and sequels, making ownership questions highly significant. Legal experts believe the wording of the original agreement will play a key role in determining how the court views the claims made by both parties. Until then, the uncertainty could affect the film’s release plans.
JioStar insists the film is not connected to Queen
Responding to the lawsuit, JioStar India Private Limited has rejected the allegation that the upcoming project is a sequel to Queen. The company maintained that the film is an entirely fresh production with its own story and creative identity. According to its statement, the project does not continue the narrative of the 2014 film and shares no connection with its characters or plot. JioStar therefore argues that Phantom Studios’ claims over sequel rights do not apply in this case.
In its official response, the company said, “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, “The word ‘Queen’ is a part of the English language. No party can claim exclusive ownership over a common noun, and any such claim has no basis in law.” Those statements make it clear that the studio intends to contest the lawsuit rather than negotiate ownership of the project. The legal proceedings are now expected to determine whether the new film legally qualifies as a derivative work of the original.
Released in 2014, Queen became one of the defining Bollywood films of the decade. Directed by Vikas Bahl and written by Anvita Dutt, the coming-of-age comedy-drama followed a young woman discovering confidence and independence after her wedding was called off. The film starred Kangana Ranaut alongside Rajkummar Rao and Lisa Haydon, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Made on a reported budget of around ₹20 crore, Queen collected nearly ₹95 crore worldwide and won the National Award for Best Feature Film, while Kangana received the National Award for Best Actress.
As of now, the makers have not revealed the official cast, story details or release date of the new film. Whether the project eventually reaches theatres may now depend as much on the courtroom as on the production schedule. Until the Bombay High Court examines the contractual rights claimed by both sides, the future of the much-discussed Queen follow-up remains uncertain.
