The Delhi High Court has sought a response from producer Amit Jani on Salman Khan’s petition seeking a stay on the release of the film ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’. Justice Jyoti Singh directed the producer’s counsel to file a response within two weeks. Salman has approached the court seeking a halt to the film’s release. The film is reportedly inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving the actor.
During the hearing held on September 10, the Delhi High Court asked the lawyer representing the filmmakers when the film would be released. In response, the lawyer said that the film is not yet ready for release. Its content is still awaiting certification from the censor board. Senior advocate Ravi Prakash, appearing on behalf of Salman, said, “They themselves are saying that it is going to be released in September.” The court then directed them to provide the film’s release date within two weeks. The next hearing in the case will be held on September 30.
Salman’s lawyer also objected to the OTT release
During the hearing, Salman Khan’s lawyer said that the makers do not need any certification to release the film on OTT. The court also took note of this statement. Salman’s lawyer said, “Suppose the film is released, it will cause significant harm.”
Salman had filed a case earlier as well
Salman Khan had earlier filed a ‘personality rights’ case against several unknown people, referred to as John Does. In the petition, he said that the appearance of the man shown in the film Kala Hiran was inspired by him, which violated his personality rights. He had sought a stay on the film’s release.
Last year, the High Court heard Salman’s ‘personality rights’ case. The court banned merchandise made without permission using his photograph and likeness.
In July, the High Court ordered the makers to remove several links related to the film’s teaser.
Know the full controversy surrounding the film
On July 27, the Delhi High Court directed that the teaser of the film Blackbuck: The Battle for Legacy be removed from social media. The court clarified that if the producer does not remove the teaser links within 24 hours, internet companies such as X (Twitter) and YouTube will be ordered to take it down.
During the hearing, Justice Jyoti Singh expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of the film’s producer, Amit Jani. The court said that the accused was crossing the limits every day and considered himself above the law. The judge remarked that such treatment cannot be meted out even to an ordinary citizen. It takes a great deal of effort to build a reputation, and once one’s image is tarnished, it is not easy to regain it.
The court had also directed the removal of interviews given by filmmaker Amit Jani. During the hearing, the court orally remarked that protecting a person’s reputation is essential. The court also expressed concern over references to the actor in the film.
Filmmakers of Kaala Hiran Approach Supreme Court
Filmmaker Amit Jani has appealed to the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s order directing the removal of the teaser for his film, Kaala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. In his appeal, Jani has argued that the order amounts to unjustified censorship and restricts his right to freedom of expression. He maintains that no one can claim a monopoly over public records and historical legal cases.
Concerns have also emerged about the filmmaker’s safety amid the legal dispute. Jani claims that organized criminal groups have threatened to kill him and his family.
These groups have demanded that he leave the film project. Jani said in the appeal that the High Court issued the stay order without giving his legal team a proper opportunity to present its case.
