Phantom Studios has initiated legal proceedings against JioStar India in the Bombay High Court, seeking damages amounting to ₹250 crore. The lawsuit accuses JioStar of unauthorized development of a sequel titled ‘Queen Forever’ to the critically acclaimed 2014 film ‘Queen,’ thereby violating existing co-production and intellectual property agreements. The case, cited as Phantom Studios v. Jiostar India & Anr, is scheduled for an urgent hearing before Justice Gauri Godse in the coming week.
Allegations of Breach of Co-Production Agreement
Phantom Studios claims that both it and JioStar, formerly known as Viacom18, are equal co-owners of all intellectual property and derivative rights related to the film ‘Queen.’ This is based on a 2012 co-production agreement and a subsequent 2022 deed of novation. According to Phantom, these agreements grant both parties equal rights to develop sequels, prequels, remakes, and other spin-offs from the film’s storyline, characters, and universe. Neither party can independently exploit the franchise without mutual consent.
Unauthorized Sequel Development
The lawsuit alleges that JioStar, in collaboration with co-producer Trigger Happy Entertainment, has proceeded to develop and shoot ‘Queen Forever’ without Phantom’s knowledge or approval. In response, Phantom Studios is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent JioStar and Trigger Happy from producing, releasing, or profiting from any derivative works associated with ‘Queen’ without its consent. Additionally, Phantom requests an interim injunction to halt all ongoing development, production, promotion, and distribution activities related to ‘Queen Forever,’ also referred to as ‘Queen 2.’
Legal Demands and Creative Involvement
Phantom Studios demands that JioStar disclose all agreements and creative materials pertaining to ‘Queen Forever’ and acknowledge Phantom’s 50% stake in any revenues from derivative works. The new project is reportedly directed by Vikas Bahl and stars Kangana Ranaut, both of whom were integral to the original film. Phantom argues that this association, along with the use of ‘Queen’ in the title, capitalizes on the original film’s cult status, thereby misleading audiences and industry stakeholders into believing it is a legitimate sequel.
Allegations Against JioStar and Trigger Happy
The legal suit accuses JioStar of breaching the novated co-production agreement by excluding Phantom from the project’s development. Additionally, Trigger Happy is charged with passing off and inducing a breach of contract by co-producing the disputed film. According to the suit, Phantom issued several cautionary notices and legal letters since 2025, reacting to media reports and interviews where Bahl and Ranaut mentioned working on ‘Queen 2’ and its development. Despite these efforts, JioStar has maintained that the work is an independent project.
