The dispute over Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has escalated again just days ahead of its planned release. While the legal tussle over the movie is still underway, actor Sonu Mishra has gone public with his reasons for exiting the project. His comments come as Salman Khan is reportedly attempting to block the film’s release, alleging that it exploits his persona and damages his reputation. Speaking to ANI, Sonu Mishra said he initially believed the project would present a narrative that supported Salman Khan. However, his opinion changed once he understood the direction the film was taking.
Sonu Mishra says creative differences led to his exit
I had been cast to play a character based on Salman Khan. However, when I realised the film was designed to damage the image of a superstar and undermine the cultural reputation of Rajasthan, my principles would not allow me to participate in such propaganda against a senior actor. Due to these creative differences with the makers, I chose to withdraw from the project," Sonu Mishra said.
The actor further alleged that the filmmakers never provided him with the script at any point during the process. Sonu added, “There is absolutely no question of me receiving any threat from the Bishnoi community. It is my own community. I believe films should highlight the various contributions the community has made to society’s welfare. I would have gladly been a part of such a project.”
Court hearing scheduled for July 1
Commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings, Mishra said the issue should now be left to the courts. "The hearing on the stay application is set for July 1. We must maintain our faith in the judicial system," he stated.
What is the controversy about?
The dispute arose after Salman Khan reportedly approached the Delhi High Court to halt the production, promotion, and release of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. His legal team contends that the film, said to be based on the 1998 blackbuck poaching case associated with him, infringes on his personality and publicity rights and harms his public reputation.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court adjourned the hearing after the filmmakers’ lawyers requested additional time to reply to Khan’s petition. Representing Salman Khan, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi sought urgent interim relief from the court, contending that the filmmakers were commercially profiting from the actor’s life and persona without his consent.
He is making a film about my life and has discarded the notice. He has no authority to create a film based on my life. I am requesting an interim injunction. The teaser has already been released," Sethi stated.During the hearing, the filmmakers’ attorney informed the court that he had purportedly received death threats and had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident. Sethi further contended that promotional content for the film had already been made public and asserted that the filmmakers were not entitled to keep using Salman Khan’s name and public persona without his permission.
The filmmakers contested the plea for interim relief. After hearing arguments from both parties, the court observed that the producer and director had only recently been served with the legal papers. It instructed Salman Khan's legal team to furnish the respondents with the full set of pleadings. The case has now been scheduled before the roster bench on July 1.
