Phantom Studios asserts that it and JioStar India (formerly Viacom18) are joint and equal owners of all intellectual property and derivative rights in the Hindi film Queen under a co‑production agreement executed in 2012. The parties subsequently entered into a deed of novation in 2022 which, according to Phantom, reaffirmed the equal sharing of rights to develop sequels, prequels, remakes and other spin‑offs from the film’s story, characters and universe. The plaintiff contends that under these arrangements neither party may exploit the Queen franchise independently without the other's consent.
Allegations Against JioStar and Trigger Happy Entertainment
The plaint filed by Phantom Studios alleges that JioStar India, together with its co‑producer Trigger Happy Entertainment, has proceeded to develop and shoot a film titled Queen Forever without Phantom’s knowledge, consent or participation. Phantom claims that the use of the word Queen in the title, coupled with the engagement of director Vikas Bahl and lead actress Kangana Ranaut—both associated with the original 2014 film—constitutes an attempt to trade on the goodwill and cult‑classic status of Queen and creates confusion among audiences and industry insiders.
Phantom further alleges that JioStar’s conduct amounts to a breach of the novated co‑production agreement by completely excluding the co‑owner from the project. The suit also attributes liability to Trigger Happy Entertainment for passing off and for inducing breach of contract by participating in the production of the impugned film.
Relief Sought by the Plaintiff
Phantom Studios has sought a permanent injunction restraining JioStar India and Trigger Happy Entertainment from making, releasing or exploiting any sequel, remake or other derivative work based on Queen without Phantom’s prior consent. In addition, the plaintiff has applied for an interim injunction to halt all further development, shooting, promotion and exploitation of Queen Forever (also referred to as Queen 2) pending the final determination of the suit.
The plaint also requests mandatory directions compelling JioStar to disclose all agreements, creative materials and other documents relating to Queen Forever and to acknowledge Phantom’s fifty percent share in any revenues derived from derivative works of Queen. Finally, Phantom claims damages amounting to Rs 250 crore on account of the alleged infringement and breach of contract.
Defence Position of JioStar India
According to the material placed before the court, JioStar India has maintained that Queen Forever is an original, independent work and not a sequel to Queen. The defendant has stated that it has not relied on any of the plaintiff’s intellectual property and that the film’s title, director and lead actress do not constitute an unauthorised exploitation of the Queen franchise.
Procedural Status
The suit, filed through the law firm Rashmikant and Partners, is likely to be listed for urgent hearing before Justice Gauri Godse of the Bombay High Court this week. No interim order has been passed at this stage, and the matter remains pending adjudication on the plaintiff’s claims for injunctive relief and damages.