Amit Jani moves Supreme Court over Salman Khan personality rights dispute

Producer Amit Jani of Jani FireFox Films has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Delhi High Court interim order that directed the removal of promotional material for the film ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle For Legacy’. The order followed a plea by actor Salman Khan, who alleged that the film’s teaser and publicity campaign violated his personality rights and caused reputational damage.

Salman Khan claimed the film’s protagonist was modeled after him, citing references to his career, specific films, and his legal history regarding the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Delhi High Court had previously ordered the takedown of the teaser, noting concerns over the depiction of events that remain sub judice and the protection of individual reputation.

In his appeal to the Supreme Court, Jani argues that the High Court’s decision restricts creative expression and fails to identify specific actionable commercial exploitation of Khan’s persona. He contends that using personality rights to restrict films about matters in the public domain could negatively impact independent filmmaking, journalism, and artistic freedom. Additionally, Jani reported receiving death threats from individuals claiming to support the actor, which he has brought to the attention of Indian authorities.