Kala Hiran Not Yet Releasable, Producer Tells Delhi High Court in Salman Khan Suit

The producer of the proposed film Kala Hiran: Battle for Legacy has told the Delhi High Court that the project is not yet in a form that can be released, as it is still to be submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The submission was made before Justice Jyoti Singh during a hearing on Thursday. The judge asked the counsel for producer Amit Jani when the movie was scheduled for release. The counsel said he would seek instructions on the question and also raised objections to the suit filed by actor Salman Khan.

According to the submissions, the film cannot be screened in theatres until it receives certification from the CBFC. The counsel added that even the trailer has not been released so far. The court recorded that, on instructions, the movie was "not in a release-able stage" and that its contents were yet to be certified by the censor board.

Khan's counsel pointed out that a film intended for an OTT platform may not require certification in the same manner as a theatrical release. Taking note of that submission, the court included a possible OTT release within the scope of its order.

The court granted the respondents two weeks to file their reply to Khan's application and listed the matter for further hearing on September 30.

Khan has moved the High Court over the proposed film, expressing apprehension that its storyline and promotional material are based on or draw upon incidents associated with his life, particularly the 1998 blackbuck case. He has alleged that the project and the material connected with it make him identifiable even though he is not necessarily named expressly. His plea refers, among other things, to promotional material that allegedly shows a character resembling him and wearing a bracelet similar to his well-known blue bracelet.

Khan has also objected to statements and interviews attributed to Jani, alleging that references made in connection with the project seek to associate the film with the blackbuck case and other controversies involving the actor. The respondents have opposed the relief sought by Khan. The latest hearing, however, focused on the present status of the film, its proposed release and the certification requirements.