Just days after wrapping production, Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film, 'Queen 2,' has been embroiled in a significant legal battle. Phantom Studios has initiated a ₹250 crore lawsuit against JioStar India Private Limited in the Bombay High Court, alleging unauthorized use of its intellectual property. The suit not only demands substantial damages but also seeks an injunction to prevent the film's release.
Phantom's Claim: Shared Sequel Rights
According to the lawsuit, filed through legal firm Rashmikant and Partners, Phantom Studios asserts ownership of 50 percent of the rights to the original 2014 hit film 'Queen.' This claim extends to all future sequels or prequels. Phantom states that an agreement signed during the production of the first 'Queen' granted both Phantom and JioStar equal rights over any subsequent film in the franchise.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Phantom Studios had previously raised objections with JioStar and director Vikas Bahl, but discussions aimed at a settlement proved unsuccessful. The legal proceedings commenced after Phantom reportedly learned that 'Queen 2' had completed filming.
JioStar's Defense: An Original Work
In response to the lawsuit, JioStar India has vehemently denied all allegations. The company issued a statement asserting that the new film is entirely original and bears no connection to the 2014 'Queen.'
"The new film has 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 stated.
JioStar further argued that the title itself, 'Queen,' cannot be exclusively owned by any single party, stating, "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."
Background of 'Queen' and Phantom Films
'Queen 2' reunites lead actress Kangana Ranaut with director Vikas Bahl, who also helmed the critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2014 coming-of-age drama. The original 'Queen,' a National Award winner for Best Feature Film in Hindi, was produced by the erstwhile Phantom Films, co-founded by Bahl, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Madhu Mantena.
Phantom Films was disbanded in 2019 following internal disagreements that arose after Vikas Bahl faced allegations during the MeToo movement. Madhu Mantena, along with producer Sheetal Talwar, later revived the banner in 2022 as Phantom Studios, which has since produced other films.
The original 'Queen' was a landmark film for Kangana Ranaut, solidifying her position as a bankable star and grossing over ₹100 crore at the box office. The current lawsuit casts a shadow over the release of 'Queen 2,' with Phantom seeking to halt its debut and JioStar insisting on its independent status.