Salman Khan threatens legal action against Kala Hiran filmmakers over personality rights infringement

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Bollywood actor Salman Khan has issued a formal legal notice to the producers of the upcoming film “Kala Hiran,” alleging that the project violates his personality rights and threatens his reputation. The film centers on the high-profile 1998 blackbuck poaching case, a legal battle that has shadowed the actor for decades and remains active in the Rajasthan High Court.

According to reports from Indian media, the notice was served to the film’s casting director, Akshay Pandey, demanding an immediate cessation of all production and promotional activities. Directed by Bharat S. Srinath and produced by Amit Jani—who previously produced “Udaipur Files”—the film has sparked intense controversy before its scheduled June 20 teaser release.

Legal representatives for Khan argue that because the poaching case is currently sub judice, producing a dramatized film based on these events is defamatory. The notice asserts that such content interferes with the judicial process and infringes upon Khan’s constitutional right to a fair trial. Furthermore, the actor maintains that he has never granted permission for his name, persona, or associated allegations to be utilized in the film.

The legal demand requires the filmmakers to permanently halt development and promotional efforts and issue an unconditional written apology within 24 hours. The notice warns that failure to comply will result in both civil and criminal litigation.

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Producer Amit Jani, who publicized the legal notice on social media, dismissed the move as an attempt to intimidate the production team and stifle creative efforts. The film recently unveiled a poster featuring an actor bearing a striking resemblance to Khan, complete with a signature turquoise bracelet, signaling that the project intends to leverage the actor’s likeness to mirror the real-life controversy.

The underlying poaching case stems from a 1998 incident in Kankani, Rajasthan, during the filming of “Hum Saath Saath Hain.” While a lower court sentenced Khan to five years in prison in 2018, he was later granted bail. The proceedings were moved to the Rajasthan High Court in 2022, where the matter remains pending. Producers claim the upcoming film will blend action and drama, focusing on the broader “battle for legacy” surrounding the protracted legal fight.