Filmmakers of 'Kala Hiran' have informed the Delhi High Court that the movie is not yet in a releasable form, following a plea by Salman Khan to protect his personality rights.
- The film 'Kala Hiran' has not yet received certification from the CBFC.
- Delhi High Court has ordered producers to disclose the proposed release date by September 14.
- Salman Khan alleges unauthorized commercial exploitation of his unique identity and attributes.
In a significant legal development on Thursday, the makers of the film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal', which is purportedly based on actor Salman Khan, informed the Delhi High Court that the movie is not yet ready for public release. The statement was made before Justice Jyoti Singh during the hearing of an application filed by the Bollywood superstar seeking a restraint on the film's release.
Counsel for producer Amit Jani stated that the film is not in a releasable state as the content is yet to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Furthermore, the legal team clarified that even the official trailer has not been released. The court has taken this statement on record and directed the producer to file a formal response within two weeks, listing the matter for further hearing on September 30.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this case underscores the growing tension between creative freedom and the legal protection of 'Personality Rights' in India. By challenging the use of specific identifiers—such as his signature bracelet—Salman Khan is attempting to set a rigorous legal boundary against the commercialization of a celebrity's persona without explicit consent.
Salman Khan's legal team argued that the filmmakers had previously suggested a September release, and any such release without court intervention would cause "immense harm" to the actor. This follows an interim order passed in July, where the court directed the removal of the film's teaser and related social media posts, noting that the actor's mannerisms and attributes cannot be exploited for commercial gain without authorization.
"Personality rights protect the commercial value of a celebrity's identity, preventing third parties from profiting off a persona they did not build."
The filmmakers, however, have contended that the movie is not a biopic and that Salman Khan cannot invoke personality rights to "erase" public events related to the blackbuck poaching controversy. In response, the actor clarified that he does not claim a monopoly over public discourse but objects to the unauthorized use of identifiable characteristics to attract viewers.
Historically, the conflict escalated when a poster released on May 29 showed a character with an "uncanny resemblance" to Khan, including his recognizable bracelet. The plea further alleges that depicting the character holding a gun is defamatory, as Khan was acquitted of Arms Act offenses by a Rajasthan court. The actor had previously secured an interim order in December 2025 to protect his likeness across digital platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is Salman Khan suing the filmmakers?
A: He alleges that the film uses his distinctive identity and attributes (like his bracelet) for unauthorized commercial gain and spreads a false narrative.
A: The film is not yet certified by the CBFC and the court has restrained its release until further orders.
