Queen 2: JioStar clarifies Kangana Ranaut’s next is an original story, dismisses legal claims over title

Queen. Pic via Instagram

Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film, Queen 2, seemingly found itself in trouble after Phantom Studios sued JioStar for Rs 250 crore. Phantom Studios, which produced the 2014 film, Queen, recently alleged that JioStars, the production banner backing Queen 2, has used their IP without authorisation. A day after the news broke out, JioStar has now released a statement dissociating the upcoming film from the decade-old film of the same name.

JioStar clarifies the use of Queen 2

In a recently released statement, JioStar stated, "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."

Defending the use of 'Queen' in the title, the company said, "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. JioStar is aware of the litigation and will defend its position through the appropriate legal process. We have full confidence in the merits of our case."

Phantom Studios sues JioStar

Phantom Studios sued JioStar for Rs 250 crores, accusing it of unauthorised use and infringement of Queen's intellectual property (IP). The case has been filed in the Bombay High Court. mid-day has learnt that the legal action was taken following "repeated communication" about the alleged violation and "settlement discussions" between the two parties.

A source close to development told us, "Their non action is what has led to Phantom Studios suing them for infringement. There was even a public notice put out and multiple communications sent to Vikas and JioStar as well, informing them before this step was taken."

Meanwhile, another insider shared that Phantom Studios was provoked to take the legal route after learning about the wrapping up of Queen 2 recently.

For the unversed, Queen won two National Awards, including the best actor honour for Ranaut after its release in 2014. The film was produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Phantom Films, owned by Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena, and Vikas Bahl. The production house was dissolved in 2018. Three years later, it was restored as Phantom Studios.

Queen 2 reunites Ranaut with director Vikas Bahl, who also directed the original. The upcoming film began its filming in early 2026, and has reportedly entered the post-production stage.