‘Kala Hiran’ Row Deepens As HC Defers Salman Khan Plea

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — The controversy surrounding the upcoming film ‘Kala Hiran’ escalated June 19 after the Delhi High Court deferred hearing Salman Khan’s plea to halt its release, while producer Amit Jani reported receiving fresh death threats.

A vacation bench of the Delhi High Court adjourned the matter until July 1 after directing Salman Khan’s legal team to provide the filmmakers with a complete copy of the case documents. The court did not grant any interim relief.

Salman Khan’s counsel argued that the film is purportedly based on the actor’s life and was produced without his consent. The actor’s legal team has sought to stop the film’s release and remove related promotional material.

The filmmakers opposed any urgent relief, contending that they had not received the complete set of court documents.

The legal battle comes amid security concerns raised by producer Amit Jani, who has lodged an FIR in Jodhpur alleging that he received threats over the film. Jani claimed that Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti had threatened him through calls and messages and that he had informed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Rajasthan Police and CRPF officials.

Jani later alleged that he received a second death threat within 24 hours. In a complaint to police, he claimed that an unidentified caller identifying himself as a Salman Khan fan threatened to kill him within three days and urged authorities to take immediate action.

Directed by Bharat S. Shrinet and produced by Jani, ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’ is inspired by the blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan and also portrays his alleged rivalry with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The film’s release date has not yet been announced. (IANS)