JioStar Accuses Zee Entertainment of Unauthorised Broadcast of 12 Films

JioStar has initiated legal proceedings against Zee Entertainment Enterprises over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of several Bollywood films, intensifying an ongoing dispute between two of India’s biggest media companies.

The Reliance-Disney backed company filed a plea on May 4 before the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee, a mediation and dispute resolution body that facilitates settlements before matters proceed to court. Zee has been asked to appear before the committee on May 25.

In its reported 120-page plea, JioStar accused Zee of broadcasting 12 distinct Bollywood films nearly 20 times without authorisation. The company alleged that the rights to those films were vested with JioStar at the time of telecast.

The films reportedly include titles starring Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Among the movies specifically mentioned are Deewaar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, and Tridev.

JioStar described Zee as a “habitual infringer” in the filing and alleged that the broadcaster continued to “engage in the unauthorised broadcast and exploitation of the films”.

Damages Claim Could Cross Rs 250 Million

People familiar with the matter reportedly said JioStar may seek damages exceeding Rs 250 million, or around $2.61 million, though the final compensation amount has not been confirmed.

The dispute is said to have escalated after the two companies exchanged more than a dozen legal notices and letters beginning in February 2025.

One of the films involved in the case is Dangal, starring Aamir Khan. JioStar alleged that Zee aired the film without permission. Zee reportedly denied wrongdoing and argued it had approval from the production house to broadcast the film.

Zee also responded to the broader allegations by stating that the broadcasts were “inadvertent and unintentional” and said it would exercise caution going forward. The company, however, denied liability for the damages being sought.

Neither JioStar nor Zee Entertainment officially commented on the matter.

Legal Disputes Between the Broadcasters Continue to Grow

The latest case adds to a widening legal conflict between the two broadcasters. JioStar and Zee are already involved in a separate $1 billion arbitration battle in London linked to the collapse of a cricket licensing agreement in 2024.

In April 2026, Zee filed a lawsuit against JioStar in a Delhi court over the alleged unauthorised use of copyrighted music. Zee claimed JioStar continued using its music content after licensing agreements had expired and sought damages of $3 million.

JioStar was formed following the $8.5 billion merger of Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company’s Indian media assets in 2024. The company operates television channels and streaming platforms across India.

Reliance says JioStar holds a 34.2 per cent share of India’s television market, while Zee has stated its market share has reached a four-year high of 18 per cent.