Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 16: The controversy surrounding Kala Hiran, a film reportedly inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case linked to actor Salman Khan, has intensified with actor Sonu Mmishra withdrawing from the project after two days of shooting.

Mmishra, who was reportedly offered the lead role in the film, alleged that he decided to quit after discovering contractual clauses that required him to make negative remarks about Salman Khan in the media.

Speaking to the YouTube channel Bollywood Crazies, Mmishra said he had initially been excited about the project and had already begun shooting. However, he claimed concerns arose when he sought a copy of the script and agreement.

“After two days of shooting, I asked for the script and contract details. Eventually, I was shown an agreement that stated I had to speak against Salman Khan publicly. That is against my ethics,” he said.

Mmishra, who appeared alongside Salman Khan in director AR Murugadoss’s action thriller Sikandar, said he realised the film’s narrative was taking a direction he was uncomfortable with.

“I was very excited for Kala Hiran. I got the opportunity to play superstar Salman Khan and had already started shooting. But when a narrative starts getting built, you realise the intent of the film. I would not like to be part of a project that portrays Salman Khan negatively,” he said.

The actor further alleged that the film’s makers had issued legal threats after he publicly disclosed his reasons for leaving the project.

“They objected to me posting behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot on social media. But since there was no agreement in place, I don't see how that concerns them,” he added.

His exit comes days after veteran actor Govind Namdev distanced himself from the film, claiming he had been “used” by the makers.

In an interview with Amar Ujala, Namdev said he was shocked after watching the film’s trailer and felt that the project differed significantly from what had originally been presented to him.

“As soon as I watched the trailer, I realised the project was completely different from what I had shot for. We were never informed that a character resembling Salman Khan would be portrayed in this manner,” he said.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim relief against the makers of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, alleging a gross violation of his personality rights. The actor has argued that the film is loosely based on the 1998 blackbuck hunting case and infringes upon an earlier court order protecting his rights.

In the blackbuck poaching case, Salman Khan was convicted by a trial court in Rajasthan and sentenced to five years' imprisonment on April 5, 2018. He was later granted bail by a sessions court and released from jail. Other accused in the case, including Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and others, were acquitted.