The controversy surrounding Kala Hiran, a movie widely believed to be inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood icon Salman Khan, deepened on Monday after the film’s producer, Amit Jani, issued a legal notice to veteran actor Govind Namdev.
Actor Govind Namdev
The producer resorted to legal recourse after Namdev publicly expressed shock over the film’s teaser, claiming the film’s final version appeared drastically different from the project he had been informed about. Jani has now demanded via the notice that the actor issue a public apology within seven days and pay Rs 50 lakh as compensation, failing to fulfil which, legal action would be initiated against him.
Jani accuses Namdev of damaging film’s reputation
Jani announced the development on the social media platform ‘X,’ saying that a legal notice had been served to Namdev and warned of further legal proceedings if the actor failed to comply with the demands.
The producer then alleged that Namdev had not only signed for Kala Hiran but had also agreed to participate in the film’s proposed sequel. The film landed in controversy after its teaser featured a character named ‘Ayaan Khan,’ whom many viewers believe bears a resemblance to Salman Khan. Although the actor’s name was not explicitly mentioned in the film, the similarities have ignited widespread debate online.
Namdev says he was kept in the dark
Earlier, Namdev had spoken about the issue, claiming he felt misled after watching the teaser and trailer. He said he had originally signed on for a project titled Sambha; and was unaware that the film would culminate into an entirely different narrative.
He said in an interview with a Hindi daily, “As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken. I immediately realised that the film was completely different from what I had shot for.”
He also alleged that neither he nor other members of the cast had been informed that a character resembling Khan would be created and portrayed in such a way.
Actor says his role was limited to courtroom scenes
Kala Hiran poster
Namdev clarified that his participation in the project was confined to courtroom sequences. He claimed that he was informed the film would merely recreate legal proceedings already available in the public domain and would not introduce fictionalised elements beyond the recorded facts of the case. He then said that he believed there was nothing objectionable in depicting court proceedings, and thus agreed to sign up for the project.
Salman Khan moves Delhi HC against film’s release
The controversy has also reached the legal arena, as Salman Khan knocked the doors of the Delhi High Court (HC) last week, seeking a stay on the film’s release. He filed a petition, arguing that the project appears to be based on allegations associated with him and violates a court order pronounced earlier, protecting his personality rights.
Delhi HC
The matter shall be heard on June 19, a development that could influence the future of the movie.