The Delhi High Court has directed the makers of ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’ to remove the film’s teaser and all related online links within 24 hours, granting interim relief to actor Salman Khan in a case concerning his personality and publicity rights. The court said even brief circulation of content that could harm a person’s reputation may cause irreversible damage.
The order was passed by Justice Jyoti Singh while hearing Salman Khan’s plea against the teaser, which the actor claims is based on the 1998 blackbuck poaching case and closely resembles his life and legal battle. Although the teaser does not explicitly mention Salman Khan by name, the actor argued that its references, visuals and character portrayal make it clear that it is aimed at him.
Observing that reputation is difficult to build but easy to destroy, the court remarked that “even if this is played for 24 hours, someone suffers.” It directed the filmmakers to immediately remove the teaser from all digital platforms. The court also indicated that if the producers fail to comply, online platforms hosting the teaser could be instructed to take it down.
In his petition, Salman Khan said the teaser commercially exploits his identity without permission and portrays him in a defamatory manner. His legal team argued that the film uses identifiable elements associated with the actor, including a character wearing a bracelet similar to his well-known accessory, making it easy for viewers to connect the story with him.
The actor further contended that the teaser could influence public opinion while the blackbuck case remains pending before the Rajasthan High Court. His lawyers submitted that releasing a film inspired by an unresolved legal matter could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings and affect his right to a fair trial.
During the hearing, Salman Khan’s counsel informed the court that the producers had ignored an earlier legal notice seeking restraint on the teaser’s release. The legal team also alleged that the filmmaker publicly tore up the notice instead of responding through legal channels.
The filmmakers, however, argued that the teaser neither names Salman Khan nor uses his image, voice or artificial intelligence to depict him. Their counsel maintained that the promotional material is based on events already in the public domain and does not violate the actor’s personality rights. They also submitted that no individual can claim exclusive ownership over historical events.
After reviewing the teaser, the court found that the content could potentially damage the actor’s reputation and decided that interim protection was necessary until the matter is heard further. It also asked Salman Khan’s legal team to provide a complete list of links carrying the teaser to facilitate its removal.
The case is part of Salman Khan’s wider legal efforts to safeguard his personality rights from unauthorised commercial use. In recent years, the actor has sought legal protection against the misuse of his name, photographs, videos and likeness across digital platforms.
The court’s latest order is expected to have wider implications for filmmakers and digital content creators. Legal experts believe it reinforces the importance of obtaining consent before creating or promoting content that closely resembles identifiable public figures, particularly when linked to ongoing legal proceedings. The matter will now be taken up in the Delhi High Court for further hearing.
