Govind Namdev Reacts To Kala Hiran Teaser: ‘I Would Never Do A Film Against Salman Khan’

Veteran actor Govind Namdev has distanced himself from Kala Hiran, a film inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, after its first look video sparked controversy over its apparent references to Salman Khan. The film, produced by Amit Jani, features Namdev in the role of an advocate seeking justice on behalf of the Bishnoi community. However, the actor has now claimed that he was unaware of the film’s actual narrative and alleged that he was kept in the dark about its intent.

The controversy comes at a time when Salman Khan has also moved the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release.

Govind Namdev Distances Himself From Kala Hiran

The first look video of Kala Hiran was released on June 12 and carried the message, “Dedicated to

Guru Jambheshwar Bhagwan and the Bishnoi community.” The teaser features actor Kashif Iqbal Khan in a character that appears to bear a strong resemblance to Salman Khan, complete with a black T-shirt and the actor’s signature bracelet.

The film seems to revisit the controversial 1998 blackbuck poaching case, which dates back to the shooting schedule of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan. At the time, Salman Khan was accused of hunting two blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur. Members of the Bishnoi community had filed a complaint against Salman and his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam and Tabu.

After the teaser of Kala Hiran surfaced, Govind Namdev said he was shaken by what he saw and claimed that the film was very different from what had been narrated to him.

Speaking to Amar Ujala, he said, “As soon as I watched the trailer, I was shaken to the core. I instantly understood that the project is completely different from what I had shot for. We were never told that a character resembling Salman Khan would be created and portrayed in this manner. The moment I saw the trailer, I felt I had been kept in the dark and used. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has actually been made.”

The actor also made it clear that he would not knowingly be part of a film against Salman Khan. “I would never do a film against Salman Khan,” he said.

Govind Namdev Says Film Was Presented To Him As Sambhal

Govind Namdev further claimed that the project had initially been presented to him under a different title. According to the actor, he was told that the film was called Sambhal and that his involvement was limited to courtroom scenes.

He said, “I was told we were making a film called Sambhal. At that time, I had absolutely no idea that the story would later take a completely different direction.”

Explaining why he agreed to be part of the film, Namdev said that he was informed about a long courtroom sequence and believed that the makers were only depicting facts already on record.

“I was informed that there was a long courtroom sequence and that was all I had to do. It was also mentioned that nothing new was being added from our side and that we were merely presenting what had happened in court. I felt there was nothing wrong in depicting facts already on record, which is why I agreed to be part of it,” he said.

Govind Namdev Reacts To Bishnoi Gang Reference

The actor also clarified his stance on the Bishnoi gang controversy, which has repeatedly surfaced in connection with Salman Khan over the years. Govind Namdev said that he does not support or idealise any gang.

“I cannot consider any Bishnoi gang as my ideal. I cannot even think of such a thing. I believed I was only performing the courtroom portion. However, what has come to light now has made me uncomfortable as well,” he said.

His comments come after the teaser’s description described the film as a tribute to the Bishnoi community’s commitment to wildlife protection. The description reads, “This is not just a movie; it is a profound testament to the Bishnoi community’s unwavering vow and their core principles of wildlife protection, which set an unparalleled example of struggle for the entire world to see. Inspired by the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Kankani village, Jodhpur, this film is adapted from authentic literature that brought the truth of this incident to light.”

Makers Claim Kala Hiran Is Fictional

Despite the first look video appearing to draw from the blackbuck poaching case, the makers have included a disclaimer stating that all characters and events in the film are fictional.

The disclaimer reads, “All characters and events in this film are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, places or entities is purely coincidental. Although inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching incident, several elements have been fictionalised for entertainment purposes and have no connection to reality.”

The disclaimer, however, has not stopped the film from courting controversy, especially because the central character in the teaser appears to be styled in a way that many viewers have linked to Salman Khan.

Salman Khan Moves Delhi High Court

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on Kala Hiran. Through his legal counsel, the actor has argued that the film is based on the blackbuck poaching case allegedly involving him and violates a Delhi High Court order protecting his personality rights.

A vacation bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna issued notices to Amit Jani, Akshay Pandey and others on Khan’s plea and listed the matter for hearing on June 19. The court was informed that while the film’s release date has not yet been announced, its trailer was released earlier this week.

In his application, Salman Khan argued that the film’s poster, unveiled on May 29, contains a “blatant and obvious reference” to him.

“The character depicted bears an uncanny resemblance to the plaintiff and is clearly seen wearing a bracelet that is immediately identifiable with the plaintiff and no one else,” the plea stated.

The application further argued, “The poster and the proposed film are therefore spreading a false narrative, misleading the public and appearing to be completely contrary to the actual state of affairs and court records.”

With Govind Namdev now publicly distancing himself from the film and Salman Khan seeking legal intervention, Kala Hiran has landed in controversy even before its release date has been announced.