The controversy surrounding Kala Hiran, a film reportedly inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case linked to actor Salman Khan, has taken a new turn. Producer Amit Jani has now issued a legal notice to actor Govind Namdev after the latter publicly distanced himself from the project.

Announcing the move on X on Monday, Amit said in Hindi that a legal notice had been served to Govind, demanding a public apology within seven days and Rs. 50 lakh for damages allegedly caused to the production house’s reputation.

The development comes days after Govind, who shared screen space with Salman in Wanted (2009), expressed his disapproval of the film. “We were never told that a character resembling Salman would be created and portrayed in this manner. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has been made,” he had told Amar Ujala. On being contacted, Govind said he is not in a frame of mind to talk at the moment.

While Salman’s name is not explicitly mentioned in Kala Hiran, the teaser features a character named Ayaan Khan, whom many viewers believe bears a resemblance to the actor.

Meanwhile, Salman moved the Delhi High Court On June 12 seeking a stay on the film’s release. In the plea, the actor argued that Kala Hiran appears to be based on allegations associated with him and violates an earlier court order protecting his personality rights.