Salman Khan Objects to Kala Hiran, Cites Fair Trial and Reputation Concerns

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has sent a legal notice to the makers of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, seeking an immediate halt to the film’s development, promotion and release. The notice alleges that the project is based on his long-running blackbuck poaching case and violates his personality rights while potentially interfering with ongoing judicial proceedings.

The notice was issued to casting director Akshay Pandey and concerns the film directed by Bharat S. Shrinate and produced by Amit Jani. Salman Khan’s legal team argues that the blackbuck case remains under consideration before the Rajasthan High Court and that any cinematic portrayal of the matter could prejudice legal proceedings and affect the actor’s right to a fair trial.

According to the notice, Salman Khan has neither authorised nor consented to the use of his name, persona or any incident associated with him in connection with the proposed film. The legal team described the project as “defamatory in nature” and alleged that it amounts to a “gross violation of personality rights.”

The notice calls on the filmmakers to immediately cease the development, production and publicity of any content identifiable with the actor. It also seeks an unconditional written apology. The document warns that failure to comply within 24 hours could lead to civil and criminal legal proceedings, including claims for damages and compensation.

Concerns Over Ongoing Court Proceedings

Salman Khan’s lawyers contend that producing and promoting a film based on a case that is still pending before the courts could interfere with the administration of justice. The notice states that a sensationalised portrayal of the matter may create prejudice against the actor and adversely impact his legal rights.

The legal team further alleged that individuals associated with the project were circulating promotional materials, character sketches and a synopsis that referenced the blackbuck case. It argued that the filmmakers were attempting to benefit from Salman Khan’s public profile and goodwill without his permission.

Producer Amit Jani Responds

Producer Amit Jani publicly shared details of the legal notice and accused Salman Khan of attempting to intimidate those connected with the project.

In a post written in Hindi on social media, Jani stated that the purpose of the notice was to create fear so that people would back down because of the actor’s influence and popularity. He added that he would not be intimidated and challenged the suggestion that the legal action would force the project to stop.

Neither Salman Khan nor his legal representatives have publicly responded to Jani’s remarks.

What Is Kala Hiran About?

The controversy intensified after the makers unveiled the first-look poster of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The poster features a gun-wielding character whose appearance led many observers to draw comparisons with Salman Khan. The character is also shown wearing a turquoise bracelet resembling one commonly associated with the actor.

The filmmakers have described the project as a gritty action drama inspired by real-life legal battles. Amit Jani has previously stated that the film depicts events surrounding the 1998 blackbuck hunting case in Rajasthan and explores the wider public and legal fallout linked to the matter.

Jani has also claimed that the film portrays the rivalry between Salman Khan and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose name has frequently surfaced in public discussions connected to the blackbuck case.

The makers have announced that the film’s teaser is scheduled for release on June 20.

Background of the Blackbuck Case

The blackbuck poaching case dates back to 1998 during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan. Salman Khan, along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam, was accused of hunting protected blackbucks near Kankani village in Jodhpur district.

In April 2018, a trial court convicted Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years in prison. He was later granted bail by a sessions court. Other accused individuals in the case were acquitted.

In 2022, the Rajasthan High Court allowed a transfer petition that resulted in all pleas related to Salman Khan and the blackbuck poaching case being heard by the High Court.