Full Breakdown
Salman Khan’s Parallel Film Battles: Court Notice Over “Kala Hiran” and Clearance of “Maatrubhumi”
By Drooid · · How we work
Court Notice on “Kala Hiran” Litigation
The Delhi High Court issued a notice to actor Salman Khan on Tuesday in response to a plea by producer Amit Jani. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani ordered Khan to answer the application that seeks to stay his own suit aimed at restraining the release of *Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal* (also reported as *The Battle for Legacy*). Khan’s suit alleges the film, purportedly based on his life, infringes his personality and publicity rights.
The court had granted Khan an ex-parte ad-interim injunction on December 11 2025 barring use of his name, mannerisms and distinctive attributes without authorization. The current plea argues that proceeding with both matters would create parallel litigation over the same film and its promotional material.
On July 27, the bench directed online platforms to remove the film’s teaser after Khan objected. He also highlighted a May 29 poster featuring a signature bracelet and a gun, which he called defamatory.
Background of the Personality-Rights Dispute
Khan’s earlier lawsuit sought protection of his personality rights against unauthorised commercial use of his image, name and likeness. The producer’s application contends that the relief Khan now seeks—restraining the release and dissemination of *Kala Hiran*—is substantially the same as that pursued earlier.
Official Positions
- Salman Khan says his objection targets unauthorised commercial exploitation of his identity, not public discussion of events such as the black-buck poaching controversy. He accuses the filmmakers of “sensationalising” the case.
- Amit Jani and the makers assert that *Kala Hiran* is not a biopic of Khan and that personality-rights claims cannot erase publicly known events. They argue the parallel proceedings would waste judicial resources.
Impact on Bollywood and Legal Precedent
The dispute highlights the growing use of personality-rights claims to control portrayals of high-profile actors and shows how digital distribution can amplify reputational harm.
Clearance of “Maatrubhumi”
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for *Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace*, the war drama starring Salman Khan originally announced as *Battle of Galwan*. The film now awaits certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Sources say the revised version presents India-China relations in a “positive light,” after earlier concerns from the Ministry of Defence about the depiction of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Background of the Clearance Issue
The project was delayed after the Ministry of Defence raised objections to the original portrayal of China. The makers undertook reshoots, altered key scenes, and changed the title in March. The I&B Ministry expressed satisfaction and granted the NOC last week.
Official Positions
- The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had “no role” in the film’s production, distancing the government from the content.
What’s Next
- The Delhi High Court will hear arguments in the *Kala Hiran* case and decide whether the suits should be consolidated.
- The makers of *Maatrubhumi* must obtain CBFC certification; if cleared this month, they aim for a theatrical release on November 13, a week after Diwali.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The film’s title appears as *Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal* in some sources and *Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy* in others.
- No official confirmation of the November 13 release date has been announced; it is based on unnamed sources and remains contingent on CBFC approval.
- Details of the specific changes made to *Maatrubhumi* to satisfy the I&B Ministry have not been disclosed.