New Delhi | July 1, 2026
Salman Khan Film Lawsuit Heads to Delhi High Court as Producer Challenges Release Ban Request
Salman Khan Film Lawsuit has reached a crucial stage as the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a petition seeking to restrain the promotion and release of the film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. Ahead of the hearing on Wednesday, the film’s producer, Amit Jani, has strongly opposed the petition, presenting legal arguments and making several serious allegations while urging the court not to interfere with the film’s scheduled release.
The dispute centers on Salman Khan’s plea seeking restrictions on the film’s promotion and release. According to the producer, the matter should be decided strictly on the basis of law and evidence rather than public profile or celebrity status.
Producer Says Interim Stay Was Not Granted
Speaking before the hearing, Amit Jani claimed that during the previous proceedings, Salman Khan’s legal team sought an interim stay on the film. However, he said the court decided that the producer’s side should first be heard before considering any interim relief.
Jani further alleged that he did not receive the petition in sufficient time to prepare his defense.
According to him, although the hearing had been scheduled well in advance, the petition copy reached him only two days before the proceedings through email, limiting the time available for legal preparation.
Producer Alleges Threatening Calls Linked to Legal Notice
One of the most serious claims made by Amit Jani relates to alleged threats he says he received after being served with the legal documents.
The producer alleged that the same WhatsApp number used to send the petition was later used by an individual identified as Shehzad Bhatti, whom Jani claimed resides in Pakistan.
According to Jani, the caller allegedly pressured him to reach a settlement with Salman Khan and proposed arranging a meeting. He further claimed that he was offered financial compensation for his investment in the film.
Jani also alleged that after refusing the proposal, he and his family were threatened with bomb or drone attacks.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no public confirmation from the concerned authorities or the opposing legal side regarding these claims.
Court Should Decide on Law, Not Celebrity Status: Amit Jani
Responding to Salman Khan’s petition, Amit Jani expressed confidence that the Delhi High Court would examine the matter solely on legal merits.
He stated that courts have consistently decided high-profile cases based on facts and applicable law rather than the popularity or public stature of the parties involved.
Jani maintained that the judiciary would carefully evaluate the legal issues before arriving at any conclusion regarding the film’s release.
Producer Rejects Allegation of Commercially Using Salman Khan’s Name
The producer also rejected allegations that the film attempts to commercially benefit from Salman Khan’s identity.
According to Jani, Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy primarily focuses on the nearly two-decade-long struggle of the Bishnoi community, highlighting wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the community’s deep reverence for the blackbuck.
He emphasized that Salman Khan is not portrayed as the central character of the film and argued that its purpose is to present a broader social and historical narrative rather than capitalize on the popularity of any actor.
Defense on Personality Rights
Addressing concerns regarding personality rights, Amit Jani stated that actor Kashif Iqbal Khan, who portrays the character Ayan Khan, was not deliberately made to resemble Salman Khan.
He asserted that no prosthetics, specialized makeup, digital manipulation, or visual effects were used to create any resemblance.
According to the producer, if audiences perceive similarities between the actors, such resemblance is natural and should not automatically constitute a violation of personality rights.
Producer Cites CBFC’s Authority Over Film Certification
Jani further argued that the responsibility for examining and certifying films rests with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
He maintained that if courts begin reviewing film content before certification and public release, it could amount to what he described as “judicial censorship.”
According to the producer, such an approach could adversely affect artistic expression and the broader film industry’s creative freedom.
Threat Allegations Continue, Producer Says
In addition to the earlier allegations, Amit Jani claimed that he has continued receiving threatening phone calls in the names of Shehzad Bhatti, Rohit Godara, and D-Company.
These allegations also remain unverified, and there has been no official confirmation from investigating agencies regarding the claims at the time of reporting.
Despite the reported threats, the producer said his team intends to move forward with its release strategy.
Film Planned for Large Global Release
Amit Jani stated that preparations remain on schedule for a worldwide theatrical release.
According to the producer, the film is expected to be released across 7,000 to 8,000 screens globally, subject to legal developments and regulatory requirements.
The final outcome will depend on the proceedings before the Delhi High Court and any subsequent judicial directions.
What the Court Will Consider
The Delhi High Court is expected to examine several legal issues during the hearing, including:
- Whether any interim relief should be granted before the film’s release.
- Questions relating to alleged personality rights.
- The balance between freedom of expression and individual legal protections.
- The scope of judicial intervention before a film certified by the CBFC is publicly released, if applicable.
The court’s decision at this stage could significantly influence the immediate future of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, while broader legal questions surrounding personality rights and film-related disputes may continue through subsequent proceedings if necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi High Court is hearing Salman Khan’s petition seeking restrictions on the promotion and release of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy.
- Producer Amit Jani has opposed the petition and denied allegations that the film commercially exploits Salman Khan’s identity.
- Jani has made serious allegations regarding threats and settlement pressure, though these claims remain independently unverified.
- The producer argues that CBFC is the competent authority to evaluate film content and warns against judicial interference before release.
- The film’s producers say they are preparing for a worldwide release on 7,000–8,000 screens, subject to the court’s decision.
Source: Based on statements made by the producer before the scheduled Delhi High Court hearing. Allegations mentioned in the article are claims by the producer and remain unverified unless established through official investigation or judicial findings.
