Kala Hiran producer approaches Supreme Court in Salman's personality rights case

Producer Amit Jani has challenged a Delhi High Court order in the Supreme Court regarding his film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The legal dispute stems from actor Salman Khan seeking an interim injunction over the alleged infringement of his personality rights.The appeal by Amit Jain argues that the High Court restricted the promotional material without establishing how it infringed upon Khan's rights. Khan's suit focused on a dramatised trial scene in Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The actor alleged that his distinct traits, dialogue, and legal history were exploited without authorization to drive public interest.As per news agency ANI, the appeal read, "The present proceedings raise a question of far-reaching constitutional significance, for acceptance of the actor's legally untenable proposition would effectively weaponise personality rights as a tool of private censorship, permitting every public personality to seek gag orders against legitimate artistic, journalistic or historical expression concerning events associated with them."“Permitting the actor to suppress the filmmaker's creative expression under the guise of personality rights would produce an unprecedented chilling effect upon independent filmmaking, journalism and artistic dramatisation of matters inherently falling within the public domain and public interest," the appeal further read. What is Kala Hiran case about?Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an interim injunction against Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. His legal team argued that the filmmakers are commercially exploiting his identity without consent, violating his personality and publicity rights while damaging his reputation.During an earlier hearing, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for Salman Khan, argued that the filmmakers had no right to make a film based on the actor's life without permission. The filmmakers opposed the plea, while also informing the court that they had received legal documents only recently and sought additional time to respond. The makers have repeatedly denied the allegations that the film is based on Salman Khan and the 1999 black buck poaching case. In an exclusive interview with India Today, producer Amit Jain argued that the case and the events surrounding it are part of the public record and can be depicted on screen.He said, "This is not a Salman Khan biopic. The film is based on a larger story involving the Bishnoi community, their struggle, and their deep connection with wildlife. We have tried to bring that story to the screen."Amid the controversy, actor Sonu Mishra stepped away from Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, saying the film was designed to tarnish a senior actor's image. His exit comes as Salman Khan's legal challenge against the project continues.- EndsPublished By: Anurag BohraPublished On: Aug 19, 2026 19:40 IST