Why Salman Khan Has Moved Delhi High Court Against Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court against the makers of the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, alleging that the project unlawfully exploits his personality rights and could harm his reputation.

The actor has also argued that the film may influence ongoing legal proceedings related to the 1998 blackbuck hunting case.

According to reports, Salman has sought an urgent interim order to stop the film's production, promotion, and release until the matter is decided by the court.

Why Has Salman Khan Approached the Court?

In his petition, Salman Khan has claimed that although the makers have not directly used his name, the film's posters, promotional material, and public statements make it easy for audiences to identify him as the inspiration behind the lead character.

The plea states that the proposed movie appears to draw heavily from the events surrounding the 1998 blackbuck hunting case, a matter that remains connected to ongoing judicial proceedings. The actor believes that creating and promoting a film based on such events while the legal process is still active could negatively affect his right to a fair trial.

The case has been filed against producer Amit Jani, his production house Jani FireFox Films, director Bharat Shrinate, Akshay Pandey, and others associated with the project.

Poster and Promotional Material Under Scrutiny

A major point raised in the petition concerns a promotional poster released in May 2026. According to Salman Khan's legal team, the lead character shown in the poster bears a strong resemblance to the actor.

The petition specifically points to the bracelet worn by the character, claiming that it closely resembles Salman's iconic blue stone bracelet, which has become strongly associated with his public image over the years.

Another objection raised by the actor is the depiction of the character carrying a firearm. Salman argues that this portrayal is misleading because he had already been acquitted in the proceedings related to the Arms Act, 1959. The petition states that such creative choices could create a false impression among viewers.

Concerns Over the Blackbuck Case and Lawrence Bishnoi References

The actor's legal team has also referred to public statements allegedly made by producer Amit Jani. According to the petition, Jani had described the film as being inspired by the blackbuck hunting case and the long-running controversy involving gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who has repeatedly threatened Salman Khan over the issue.

The plea argues that these interviews, social media posts, and promotional campaigns are deliberately using Salman's public image and personal controversies to attract attention and generate commercial interest.

Salman has claimed that linking him to such narratives without his consent amounts to an infringement of his personality and publicity rights.

Legal Notice Was Issued Earlier

The petition reveals that Salman Khan had already sent a legal notice to the filmmakers on April 24, 2026, asking them to stop the development and promotion of the project.

However, according to the actor, the makers continued promotional activities despite receiving the notice. The plea also alleges that certain social media posts made after the legal notice attempted to publicise the dispute and contained statements that the actor considers defamatory.

Salman has argued that the continued circulation of these materials is damaging his reputation and goodwill.

What Are Personality Rights?

Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, protect a public figure's name, image, likeness, voice, and other identifiable characteristics from being commercially exploited without permission.

In his petition, Salman Khan has referred to an earlier Delhi High Court order from November 2025, which recognised and protected his personality rights. He has argued that the proposed film violates these rights by creating a character and promotional campaign that closely resemble his public persona.

What Relief Has Salman Khan Sought?

The actor has requested the Delhi High Court to issue an ad-interim injunction restraining the filmmakers from producing, promoting, distributing, exhibiting, streaming, or releasing Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy until the final disposal of the case.

He has also sought directions to stop the publication or circulation of any teaser, trailer, poster, or other promotional material linked to the project.