Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 16: The controversy surrounding Kala Hiran, a film inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case linked to actor Salman Khan, has intensified after producer Amit Jani issued a legal notice to veteran actor Govind Namdev for publicly distancing himself from the project.

The development comes days after Namdev claimed he felt "used" by the filmmakers after watching the teaser, alleging that the film was significantly different from the project he had originally agreed to be part of.

Responding to the actor's remarks, Jani alleged that Namdev was fully aware of the nature of the project and had even agreed to participate in a proposed sequel.

Announcing the move on social media, Jani said a legal notice had been served to Namdev, demanding a public apology within seven days and compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the production house.

He warned that legal proceedings would be initiated if the actor failed to comply with the demands.

The film has attracted attention because of its apparent resemblance to the widely publicised blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan. Although the actor's name is not mentioned in the film, the teaser introduces a character named Ayaan Khan, whom many viewers believe resembles the Bollywood star.

Speaking to a media outlet, Namdev said he was shocked after watching the teaser and felt that the film had evolved into something entirely different from what had been presented to him during production.

“As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken. I immediately realised that the project was completely different from what I had shot for,” he said.

Namdev claimed that he had never been informed that a character resembling Salman Khan would be portrayed in the film and alleged that he had been kept in the dark about the project's actual direction.

The veteran actor further stated that the film had originally been introduced to him under the title Sambhal and that he had no indication the story would later take a different turn.

According to Namdev, his role was largely limited to courtroom sequences, and he believed the film would merely depict legal proceedings already available in the public domain.

“I was informed that there was a long courtroom sequence and that nothing new was being added. I felt there was nothing wrong in portraying facts already on record, which is why I agreed to be part of it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release of Kala Hiran. In his petition, the actor has argued that the film appears to be based on allegations associated with him and violates an earlier court order protecting his personality rights.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on June 19.

The dispute has added another layer of controversy to the film even before its release, with legal challenges now emerging from both a cast member and the actor whose case is believed to have inspired the storyline.