The legal battle over Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has taken another turn. The film’s producer told the Delhi High Court that the project is not currently ready for release. That’s because it has yet to receive certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The statement came during the hearing of Salman Khan’s plea seeking to restrain the film’s release.
The actor’s legal team has argued that the film and its promotional material unmistakably portray him and link him to the 1998 blackbuck case. His suit claims that the material also stages a fictionalised trial around matters that remain sub judice.
Salman has further alleged that the film falsely attributes serious acts to him. Some of them include intimidating witnesses, influencing medical experts and investigating authorities. He is even said to be shown having alleged links with the underworld and international terrorist organisations.
The plea argues that such portrayals could damage Salman Khan’s reputation, threaten his safety and interfere with his right to a fair trial under Article 21. His lawyers have pointed out that he has been acquitted in three of the four cases arising from the blackbuck incident. Meanwhile, proceedings and appeals remain pending in relation to the matter.
The controversy had already escalated in July, when the Delhi High Court ordered the removal of links carrying the film’s teaser and promotional material after Salman Khan objected to its alleged portrayal of him.
During Thursday’s hearing, the court recorded the producer’s statement that the film was not in a releasable state. The court also noted the issue of OTT release, after Salman’s counsel argued that certification may not be required for such a release. The matter has now been listed for September 30, when the legal battle over Kala Hiran will continue.
