Reliance’s Jio Studios Withdraws Anti-Piracy Case on Dhurandhar Before Madras High Court
In a recent development, the Madras High Court has permitted Reliance Industries Limited to withdraw its commercial lawsuit concerning alleged piracy threats to the film Dhurandhar. The case, titled Reliance Industries Limited vs BSNL, was heard on February 18, 2026.Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy recorded the withdrawal after Reliance’s counsel informed the Court that instructions had been received from the client to discontinue the proceedings. Consequently, the Court dismissed the suit as withdrawn without imposing any costs and closed all related interim applications.
Reliance, through its media arm Jio Studios, had filed the suit under the Copyright Act, 1957, seeking permanent injunctions to prevent unauthorized online distribution and cable transmission of Dhurandhar. This pre-release anti-piracy measure is commonly sought by film producers ahead of theatrical releases. The defendants named in the case included a wide range of telecom service providers, internet intermediaries, and cable operators such as BSNL, MTNL, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata Communications, Sify Technologies, Hathway, GTPL Hathway, Asianet Satellite Communications, Spectra ISP Networks, and several regional cable networks.
Reliance had requested directions for internet and telecom intermediaries to block access to websites hosting pirated copies upon receiving notice. It also sought prohibitions against cable operators and other platforms to prevent cam-recording, duplication, broadcast, distribution, or transmission of the film via cable TV, DTH, satellite, internet, or storage devices. Earlier, on December 5, the Court had granted interim relief, restraining service providers and cable operators from airing or facilitating access to pirated versions of the film.
However, on February 18, Reliance’s counsel informed the Court of the decision to withdraw the suit, submitting a formal endorsement. The Court then recorded the withdrawal and closed the case. The judicial order did not disclose reasons for the withdrawal.Reliance was represented by Advocate S. Deepak, instructed by PK Law Firm.Meanwhile, the Dhurandhar team is preparing for the release of the film’s second part, Dhurandhar – The Revenge. The trailer launch is expected in the coming weeks, with the theatrical release scheduled for March 19, 2026.
