Veteran Bollywood actor Govind Namdev on Sunday publicly distanced himself from the controversy-stricken film ‘Kala Hiran,’ saying he was unaware of the project’s actual objective and direction, while feeling he was ‘kept in the dark’ by its makers. His remarks come against the backdrop of growing controversy surrounding the movie, whose recently released teaser has sparked debate over its apparent resemblance to the long-standing 1998 blackbuck poaching case, allegedly involving Bollywood icon Salman Khan.

Actor Govind Namdev in a still from the film

“Shocked after watching film’s promotional material”: Namdev

Namdev elaborated on his statements, saying he was shocked after the film’s promotional material came to his notice. He claimed the final product differed significantly from what had originally been presented to him.

He further said he was never informed that a character bearing a strong resemblance to Salman Khan would feature prominently in the upcoming project, adding that the teaser left him feeling used and misled.

He asserted, “The moment I saw the trailer, I felt I had been kept in the dark. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has actually been made.”

Further in his comments, he clarified that he shares a cordial relationship with Salman and would never deliberately participate in a project intended to target or portray the actor negatively.

‘Kala Hiran’ was allegedly presented as ‘Sambhal’

The actor went on to say that he had originally been approached for a project titled ‘Sambhal.’ He said he was informed that his role would primarily involve courtroom scenes based on legal proceedings already available in the public domain.

Actor Kashif Iqbal Khan, who will headline the project

Namdev said he believed the film would focus on judicial aspects of the blackbuck case rather than creating dramatised versions of real-life personalities. Thereafter, the actor said had he been aware of the project’s eventual direction, he might have reconsidered his involvement altogether.

Concerns raised over wider controversy

Namdev then expressed discomfort over the film’s alleged association with the Bishnoi community and the broader controversy linked to threats issued to Salman Khan in recent years, He underlined that he does not support any form of gang activity, extremism or violence and does not wish to be associated with narratives that could be interpreted in that manner.

Salman moves Delhi HC against film’s makers

Notably, Salman Khan recently approached the Delhi High Court (HC), seeking legal proceedings against the makers of Kala Hiran. His legal team has sought to prevent the film’s release and remove its promotional content, contending that it incorporates visual elements and character traits closely associated with his public image.

According to reports, the petition argues that such portrayals could mislead audiences into drawing direct parallels with the actor and the events which unfolded in real life. Despite facing criticism, Kala Hiran makers have maintained that the project is a work of fiction. While it is said to draw inspiration from the 1998 blackbuck controversy, the promotional material carries a disclaimer mentioning that any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.