In a significant legal development, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to halt the release of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The actor has alleged that the film’s promotional material closely mirrors his image and signature characteristics, raising concerns over the unauthorized use of his identity.
The Delhi High Court has now issued notices to the film’s makers and scheduled the next hearing for June 19, bringing the controversy into the spotlight just as the project gains public attention.
Delhi High Court Seeks Response From Film’s Makers
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna directed notices to producer Amit Jani, director Bharat Shrinate, casting director Akshay Pandey, and other associated parties connected to the film.
The court’s action came after Salman Khan filed a plea claiming that the movie’s promotional campaign allegedly infringes upon his personality rights and protected identity.
What Triggered Salman Khan’s Legal Action?
During the court proceedings, Salman Khan’s counsel argued that a promotional poster released on May 29 featured a character who strongly resembled the actor.
According to the legal team, the individual shown in the poster was wearing a bracelet similar to the one that has become one of Salman Khan’s most recognizable personal trademarks. The actor’s lawyers maintained that these similarities were not coincidental and could create an association with the superstar in the minds of audiences.
The plea further claimed that the promotional content violated an earlier Delhi High Court order issued in December 2025 that safeguarded Salman Khan’s personality rights.
Personality Rights at the Center of the Dispute
The case has once again highlighted the growing importance of personality rights in India’s entertainment industry.
Personality rights protect an individual’s name, image, likeness, voice, and distinctive attributes from unauthorized commercial exploitation. Salman Khan has argued that the film’s makers are attempting to benefit commercially from characteristics that are closely identified with him.
His legal team contended that the unauthorized use of such recognizable elements amounts to a violation of the actor’s legal protections.
Trailer Launch Raises Fresh Concerns
The court was also informed that the trailer of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy was released despite earlier indications that it would be unveiled at a later date.
While the producers have not officially announced the film’s release schedule, Salman Khan’s legal representatives expressed concern over the continued promotion of the project amid the ongoing dispute.
The actor’s counsel sought an injunction to prevent the release of the film until the matter is fully examined by the court.
Reference to the Blackbuck Case
During the hearing, Salman Khan’s lawyer also addressed references linked to the long-running blackbuck case.
The court was informed that multiple FIRs had been registered in connection with the matter over the years. According to the submissions, Khan has already been acquitted in three cases, while legal proceedings remain pending in another matter.
The legal team argued that using issues associated with the actor’s past controversies for commercial gain raises serious concerns.
What Happens Next?
With notices now issued, the focus shifts to the upcoming hearing on June 19. The court is expected to hear responses from the filmmakers and examine whether the promotional materials indeed violate Salman Khan’s personality rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case could become a landmark discussion on celebrity image protection, intellectual property rights, and the limits of creative representation in Indian cinema.
For now, all eyes remain on the Delhi High Court as the controversy surrounding Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy continues to make headlines across the entertainment industry. The source of this news is Bollywood Hungama.