New Delhi, July 30 : The Delhi High Court has directed the makers of the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal to remove its teaser and all promotional content from online platforms after actor Salman Khan alleged that the project misused his personality and public image without authorization.
The order came after the Bollywood star approached the court, arguing that the filmmakers had violated his personality rights by using references that could mislead audiences into believing he was associated with the film. After reviewing the submissions, the court observed that a prima facie case had been established and ordered the immediate removal of the teaser and related promotional material pending further proceedings.
Personality rights protect celebrities from the unauthorized commercial use of their name, likeness, voice, or other identifying characteristics. Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the growing importance of such rights in India’s entertainment industry, especially as digital platforms expand the reach of promotional campaigns.
The producers of Kala Hiran have denied any deliberate misuse of Salman Khan’s identity and maintain that the film does not infringe upon the actor’s legal rights. They are expected to present their arguments during the next stage of the court proceedings.
The case has drawn widespread attention across the film fraternity, with industry observers noting that it could influence how filmmakers approach promotional content involving real-life personalities. The verdict is also expected to serve as a reminder that celebrity identities cannot be commercially exploited without consent.
The legal battle comes at a time when personality rights have become an increasingly significant issue in the age of artificial intelligence, digital manipulation, and online marketing. Courts in India have recently shown greater willingness to protect public figures from unauthorized use of their image and reputation.