Key Facts
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an injunction against the makers of the proposed film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The actor alleges that the film unlawfully exploits his personality rights and could adversely impact his reputation and ongoing judicial proceedings in the 1998 blackbuck hunting case.
Details of the Petition
According to the plea, the film and its promotional material are allegedly inspired by events related to the 1998 blackbuck hunting case involving Khan. Although the film does not explicitly use his name, the petition argues that the posters, promotional content, and public statements make him 'readily identifiable to viewers'. The character in the film is shown wearing a bracelet resembling Khan's iconic blue bracelet, which the actor claims has become uniquely associated with him in public imagination.
The plea further alleges that the character is depicted brandishing a firearm, despite Khan having been acquitted under the Arms Act, 1959. This narrative, the actor contends, is 'misleading' and could prejudice pending proceedings before the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court, interfering with his right to a fair trial.
Legal Notice and Continued Promotion
Salman Khan had earlier issued a legal notice on April 24, 2026, asking the producers to cease and desist from developing and promoting the film. However, the petition states that promotional activities continued, prompting the actor to seek urgent judicial intervention. The actor also alleges that certain social media posts by producer Amit Jani after the notice sought to publicize the dispute and contained defamatory statements.
Impact on Personality Rights
Khan argues that the film amounts to a violation of his personality and publicity rights, which were recognized and protected by the Delhi High Court in an earlier order dated November 11, 2025. He has sought directions restraining the defendants from releasing any teaser, trailer, poster, or other promotional material related to Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, and from further developing or producing the project until the dispute is resolved.
What Readers Should Know
- The film's producer Amit Jani and director Bharat Shrinate are among the defendants named in the petition.
- The petition cites interviews, social media posts, and promotional material allegedly linking the film to Khan, claiming these are used to generate publicity by drawing on his public persona.
- The actor has also accused the producers of making public statements describing the film as inspired by the blackbuck case and the dispute involving gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
FAQ
Why did Salman Khan move court against 'Kala Hiran' film?
Salman Khan alleges the film unlawfully exploits his personality rights, uses his likeness without consent, and could harm his reputation and ongoing legal proceedings in the 1998 blackbuck hunting case.
What relief has Salman Khan sought from the Delhi High Court?
He has sought an ad-interim injunction to restrain the producers from promoting, distributing, or releasing the film, and from using his persona in any promotional material.
What is the connection between the film and Lawrence Bishnoi?
The film's producer reportedly described it as inspired by the blackbuck case and the dispute involving gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, which Salman Khan claims is misleading.