controversy all around Black Deer: Battle of the Legacy The controversy continues to rage after Salman Khan’s team reportedly sent a legal notice to the makers of the film over the alleged similarities between the film’s lead character and the Bollywood superstar. However, producer Amit Jani and director Bharat S Shrinate have said that the film is not based on Khan’s life and the comparison being made is wrong.
“Salman Khan is not God, he can’t stop me”: Blackbuck director hits back amid legal notice controversy over alleged similarities
The debate gained momentum after the first-look poster of the film surfaced online. Many social media users pointed out the uncanny resemblance between the hero and Salman Khan, particularly drawing attention to the signature bracelet worn by the character. This accessory, which is often associated with Salman Khan’s public image, sparked speculation that the film may have been inspired by the actor’s highly publicized black buck case.
Addressing the controversy in an interview with News18, director Bharat S Shrinate strongly rejected the claims and defended the creative choices made in the film. “The bracelet is not a patented accessory. If Salman thinks only he can wear it, then he should get it patented. That bracelet should not be made available anywhere else in the world. I completely disagree with the story that this film or this character is based on Salman. Our character is not Salman Khan. It’s just a film!”
Shrinate further argued that the similarity between the actor and Salman Khan is purely coincidental and not the result of deliberate efforts by the makers. “Nawazuddin Siddiqui once played the role of Balasaheb Thackeray in a film – thackeray. He was made to look like him through prosthetics and makeup. But we have not used any prosthetics in our film. Our actor naturally looks like Salman,” he said and added, “I can’t change how he looks. I couldn’t use prosthetics on him to make him look like someone he’s not. What can be done? What should I say if someone is having trouble?
The filmmaker also addressed the legal action reportedly initiated against the project and expressed disappointment over efforts to stall the film’s release. “Salman Khan is not God. He is not my godfather. He cannot stop me. Neither can he ruin me and my career nor can he make me and my career.” He also said, “But ultimately, it is the audience who will decide the impact and value of the film. Our film has been made with the collective effort of so many people. And now, suddenly, someone has sent us a legal notice. They are trying to stop our film. It feels bad. A lot of planning and research goes into writing and making a film. And we have been planning to make this film for years.”
He also shared, “Sending a legal notice in one go means stopping all the hard work (Sending a legal notice right away means destroying all the hard work done so far). He is doing this because he thinks the film is about him. He should go and watch the film first and then decide.”
As the legal and public debate continues, Black Deer: Battle of the Legacy It remains at the center of a growing dispute, with both sides stuck to their stance.
