Actor Sonu Mishra quits Kala Hiran amid Salman Khan's legal battle

Actor Sonu Mishra has stepped away from Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, saying the film was designed to tarnish a senior actor's image. His exit comes as Salman Khan's legal challenge against the project continues.

In Short

• Mishra said he expected a film backing Salman Khan initially
• He alleged the makers never shared the script during production
• Mishra denied Bishnoi threat claims, saying he belongs to the community

Actor Sonu Mishra has distanced himself from the controversial film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, claiming he walked away after concluding that the project was intended to tarnish the reputation of a senior actor. His remarks come as Salman Khan continues his legal battle in the Delhi High Court to stop the film's filming, promotion and release, alleging that it unlawfully uses his identity and harms his public image.

Mishra's statement has added a fresh twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding the film, which is reportedly inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case linked to Salman Khan. The matter is currently before the court, with the next hearing on the actor's plea scheduled for July 1.

Why did Sonu Mishra leave the film?

Speaking to ANI, Mishra said he had initially believed the film would present a narrative in Salman Khan's favour. However, he changed his mind after understanding the direction the project was taking.

"I was supposed to portray the character of Salman Khan. When I realised that the film had been made to tarnish the name of a superstar and the reputation of Rajasthan's culture, my ethics didn't allow me to be a part of the propaganda against a senior actor. Following creative differences with makers, I decided to distance myself from the film," he said.

Mishra also claimed that the makers never shared the script with him. Addressing speculation around alleged threats, he said there was "no question" of receiving threats from the Bishnoi community, adding that it is his own community. He said films highlighting the community's contribution to society would be more meaningful and added that the legal dispute should now be left to the judiciary.

What is Salman Khan's legal case about?

Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an interim injunction against Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. His legal team argues that the filmmakers are commercially exploiting his identity without consent, violating his personality and publicity rights while damaging his reputation.

During an earlier hearing, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for Salman Khan, argued that the filmmakers had no right to make a film based on the actor's life without permission. The filmmakers opposed the plea, while also informing the court that they had received legal documents only recently and sought additional time to respond.

When is the next hearing?

The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for July 1 before the roster bench. With Mishra publicly distancing himself from the project and Salman Khan's legal challenge still pending, the fate of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy now rests on the court's decision.

- Ends