The legal battle between Salman Khan and the makers of the film ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’ has intensified. Following the release of the film's first look and poster, Salman Khan approached the Delhi High Court, citing a violation of his ‘personality rights’ and seeking a stay on the film. Now, the film's director, Bharat S. Srinathe, has spoken openly about the matter and taken a sharp dig at Salman Khan. He stated bluntly that Salman Khan is not ‘God.’ He also addressed the claims made by Govind Namdev.

In an exclusive conversation with our sister website News18, director Bharat S. Srinathe discussed the issue. He expressed strong displeasure regarding the legal notice sent by Salman Khan and his decision to go to court. He said, "Salman Khan is not God. He is not my godfather. He cannot stop me. He can neither destroy nor build my career."

‘Watch the film first, then draw conclusions’
Bharat S. Srinathe added that the film was made after years of research and the hard work of the entire team. He found it extremely disappointing that an attempt was made to halt the film by suddenly sending a legal notice. He advised Salman Khan to watch the film before jumping to conclusions.

Is the bracelet patented?

In the film's first look, lead actor Kasif Iqbal Khan plays a character named ‘Ayaan Khan.’ The video shows him wearing Salman Khan’s signature turquoise bracelet—the very element at the center of the controversy. Retorting to this, the director said, "That bracelet is not a patented accessory. If Salman feels that only he can wear it, he should get it patented so that it cannot be found anywhere else in the world."

‘My actor’s face is natural’

Regarding the fact that Kasif Iqbal Khan resembles Salman Khan, he cited the example of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s film ‘Thackeray.’ He said, "Nawaz was given a look resembling Bal Thackeray using prosthetics. However, we haven't used any prosthetics in our film. Our actor's face naturally resembles Salman's; I cannot alter his appearance."

Salman Khan moves Delhi High Court; what did he seek?
Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate stay on the film's promotion, production, and release. In his petition, he alleged that the film violates his personality rights. Appearing for Salman, lawyer Nizam Pasha informed the court that the film's poster, released on May 29, features a character resembling Salman who is wearing the signature bracelet associated with him. The petition also noted that the character is depicted holding a weapon, whereas Salman has been acquitted in the Arms Act case. Salman Khan claimed that the film's poster and promotional material make a "clear and direct reference" to him. He further stated that the film is based on events surrounding the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, which are currently sub judice before the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court. It is worth noting that the Delhi High Court had previously issued an order on November 11, 2025, protecting Salman Khan's personality rights. Salman had also sent a legal notice to the filmmakers on April 24, 2026.

What did the court say?
The vacation bench of the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the filmmakers regarding Salman Khan's petition. The court has scheduled the next hearing for today, June 19, 2026. The court observed that a response from the filmmakers is necessary before considering any interim order.

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