Salman Khan Challenges Film 'Kala Hiran' Over Image Rights
Salman Khan Takes Legal Action Against 'Kala Hiran'
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has raised concerns that the forthcoming movie Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, helmed by Bharat S Shrinate, is misusing his persona and life story without his approval. In response, the Sikandar actor has filed a legal petition aimed at halting the film's production, marketing, and release. On June 19, the Delhi High Court postponed the hearing regarding Salman's petition, allowing the filmmakers additional time to respond, as they only received the application on June 17.
Delhi High Court Postpones Hearing on 'Kala Hiran'
As reported, the court's decision to defer the case was made to enable producer Amit Jani and the director of Kala Hiran to thoroughly review the complaint. Salman's legal team was instructed to provide the complete set of documents to the opposing party by June 19. Justice Madhu Jain presided over the hearing, which will be revisited by the roster bench on July 1.
Salman's lawyer, Sandeep Sethi, requested interim protection, arguing that Kala Hiran tarnishes the actor's reputation and utilizes his likeness for promotional purposes without consent. He noted that Jani had previously disregarded a notice from Salman and sought an interim injunction, especially since the teaser had already been made public. Conversely, the filmmakers' attorney claimed that the producer had been receiving threats to his life and had lodged a police report regarding the situation. The defendants, including producer Jani, Jani FireFox Films, director Bharat Shrinate, Akshay Pandey, and others associated with the film, opposed any interim relief.
Previously, the High Court had issued a notice concerning the application after the film's trailer was released, despite assurances that it would debut on June 20.
Understanding the 'Kala Hiran' Controversy
The promotional poster for Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy was unveiled last month, featuring a character resembling Salman holding a firearm. This character also wears a blue and silver bracelet akin to the one worn by the star. Salman was previously acquitted of firearm charges in the 1998 blackbuck hunting incident under the Arms Act, although he was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs 10,000 for his involvement in the blackbuck poaching case during the filming of Hum Saath-Saath Hain.
Salman has expressed that, while his name is not explicitly mentioned, the promotional materials and statements from the filmmakers strongly imply his identity. He further contends that certain aspects of the film pertain to ongoing legal matters that are still pending in higher courts. Salman fears that the film's release could compromise the integrity of these proceedings and his right to a fair trial.