Govind Namdev faces legal action over Kala Hiran remarks, Amit Jani demands public apology

Amit Jani and Govind Namdev (Pictures via X)

The controversy surrounding the upcoming film Kala Hiran has escalated further, with producer Amit Jani sending a legal notice to veteran actor Govind Namdev and demanding a public apology along with Rs 50 lakh in compensation.

The dispute began after Namdev publicly distanced himself from the project, claiming that the film he signed up for was very different from the one that eventually took shape. After watching the teaser, the actor said he felt "used" and alleged that the makers had not disclosed the true nature of the film when he agreed to be part of it.

Amit Jani demands public apology and Rs 50 lakh in damages

Responding strongly to those remarks, Jani announced that a legal notice had been issued to the actor. In a statement shared on social media, the producer said, "Govind Namdev has been issued a legal notice. He must publicly apologise within seven days and pay Rs 50 lakh in damages to the production house, failing which legal action will be initiated."

Jani also claimed that Namdev was fully aware of the project and had even agreed to be associated with a proposed sequel, rejecting allegations that the actor had been misled.

Earlier, Namdev had explained that the project was initially introduced to him under a different title. According to the actor, he was informed that his role would primarily involve courtroom sequences based on facts already available in the public domain. However, after watching the teaser, he felt the final product had taken a dramatically different direction.

Govind Namdev ends up in a legal soup

"As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken," Namdev said, adding that he believed there was "a world of difference" between what he had been told and what had ultimately been made. He further alleged that he was never informed that a character resembling Salman Khan would be portrayed in the manner shown in the teaser.

The film has already generated significant attention because of its reported similarities to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan. While the actor's name is not used in the film, the teaser features a character named Ayaan Khan, leading many viewers to draw parallels with the Bollywood star.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film's release, arguing that it appears to be based on allegations linked to him and violates protections related to his personality rights. The matter is scheduled for hearing on June 19.