Chennai, India – Reliance Industries Limited has withdrawn a commercial lawsuit filed in the Madras High Court concerning potential piracy of its upcoming film, Dhurandhar. The case, officially titled Reliance Industries Limited vs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), was voluntarily dismissed on February 18, 2026, after Reliance informed the court of its decision to discontinue proceedings. This move comes as the film prepares for its theatrical release on March 19, 2026, and highlights the proactive measures taken by production houses to protect their intellectual property in the digital age.
The lawsuit, initiated under the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957, sought to prevent the unauthorized online circulation and cable transmission of Dhurandhar. Reliance’s legal team argued the need for preemptive measures to safeguard the film from piracy, a common practice within the Indian film industry. The case underscores the growing concern among filmmakers regarding the widespread availability of pirated content and its potential impact on box office revenue. The withdrawal, however, raises questions about the effectiveness of such pre-release legal actions and the evolving strategies employed to combat film piracy.
Court Proceedings and Initial Injunction
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy presided over the case and formally recorded the withdrawal request. According to reports, the court dismissed the suit without imposing any costs on either party and too closed all related interim applications. Bollywood Hungama first reported the development.
Prior to the withdrawal, the Madras High Court had granted interim protection on December 5, 2025, restraining service providers and cable operators from distributing or enabling access to pirated versions of the film. This initial injunction demonstrated the court’s willingness to address concerns about potential copyright infringement. The interim order served as a temporary measure to prevent the widespread dissemination of illegal copies of Dhurandhar before its official release.
Broad Scope of Defendants
The original lawsuit named a wide range of entities as defendants, reflecting the complex ecosystem involved in content distribution. These included major telecom service providers such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), MTNL, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, as well as internet intermediaries like Tata Communications, Sify Technologies, and Spectra ISP Networks. Cable distribution networks, including Hathway, GTPL Hathway, and Asianet Satellite Communications, were also named in the suit. This broad approach aimed to cover all potential avenues through which the film could be illegally copied and distributed.
Reliance sought directives instructing internet and telecom intermediaries to block access to websites hosting infringing copies of Dhurandhar upon notification of such violations. They also requested prohibition orders against cable operators and other platforms to prevent cam-recording, duplication, and unauthorized transmission of the film through various channels, including cable television, direct-to-home (DTH) services, and internet platforms. The CSR Journal detailed these requests.
Reasons for Withdrawal Remain Unclear
The court record does not specify the reasons behind Reliance’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation within the industry. Possible explanations range from reaching an out-of-court settlement with some of the defendants to a reassessment of the legal strategy in light of evolving technological challenges in combating piracy. It’s also possible that Reliance determined the costs associated with pursuing the litigation outweighed the potential benefits, particularly given the complexities of enforcing copyright laws in the digital realm.
Legal experts suggest that pre-release anti-piracy lawsuits, while common, are not always successful. The rapid proliferation of illegal content online makes it difficult to effectively monitor and control copyright infringement. Identifying and pursuing individual infringers can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Bar and Bench reported on the withdrawal, noting the absence of a stated reason.
Dhurandhar – The Revenge and the Fight Against Piracy
Despite the withdrawal of the lawsuit, Reliance’s Jio Studios remains focused on protecting its intellectual property. The company is currently gearing up for the release of the second installment of the Dhurandhar franchise, titled Dhurandhar – The Revenge, scheduled to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026. The trailer launch is anticipated in the coming weeks.
The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, reprising his role as the “Lyari King.” Bollywood Hungama reports that industry insiders believe Singh’s presence will add “gravitas” to the sequel. The production team is likely to employ a range of anti-piracy measures, including digital watermarking, content monitoring, and legal action against websites and individuals involved in the illegal distribution of the film. The ongoing battle against piracy remains a significant challenge for the Indian film industry, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving legal enforcement, technological solutions, and public awareness campaigns.
The withdrawal of this particular lawsuit doesn’t necessarily signal a shift in Reliance’s overall strategy regarding copyright protection. It may simply reflect a pragmatic assessment of the specific circumstances surrounding Dhurandhar and a decision to focus resources on other anti-piracy initiatives. The film industry continues to explore innovative ways to combat piracy and safeguard its creative assets in an increasingly digital world.