The ongoing controversy surrounding the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has escalated into a fierce legal battle. Producer Amit Jani has slapped veteran actor Govind Namdev with a sharp legal notice, demanding a public apology within seven days and ₹50 lakhs in damages after the actor publicly distanced himself from the project.
This retaliation comes on the heels of Namdev’s explosive interview with media outlet Amar Ujala, where the 71-year-old actor claimed he was severely misled by the filmmakers. Namdev asserted that he originally signed a project titled Sambhal, believing it to be a straightforward enactment of documented courtroom files from Salman Khan’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case. He expressed deep shock after viewing the film’s promotional teaser, alleging the production house manipulated his presence to target Salman Khan a star he considers a close friend.
Producer Amit Jani took to social media platform X to announce the swift legal retaliation, writing:
“Govind Namdev ko legal notice diya. 7 din mein sarvajanik maafi maange aur production house ko 50 lakh rupaya jurmana de; anyatha kanooni karyavahi hogi.” (A legal notice has been issued to Govind Namdev. He must issue a public apology within seven days and pay a fine of ₹50 lakhs to the production house; otherwise, further legal action will follow.)
Furthermore, Jani vehemently disputed Namdev’s claims of ignorance regarding the movie’s script. The producer countered by stating that the veteran actor was fully aware of the film’s trajectory and had not only signed on for Kala Hiran but had also formally agreed to be part of its proposed sequel.
The Broader Legal Storm with Salman Khan
This internal feud unfolds as the movie faces massive legal pressure from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Khan and his legal counsel have approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate, permanent injunction against the film’s promotion, distribution, and theatrical release. Salman Khan’s legal team has raised several critical arguments before the court:
The film unlawfully capitalizes on Khan’s personality and publicity rights for commercial exploitation. Promotional posters deceptively show a character mirroring Khan holding a firearm, despite the actor having already been fully acquitted in the related Arms Act case. Presenting a heavily distorted narrative of matters that are still legally active could unfairly sway public and judicial perception.
