'Kala Hiran' director Amit Jani files FIR over death threats from Pakistan
Synopsis
Film director Amit Jani has filed an FIR in Jodhpur naming a Pakistan-based individual who allegedly threatened him with beheading, bomb attacks, and drone strikes to force him to abandon 'Kala Hiran'. Already under Y-category CRPF cover, Jani is now seeking enhanced security — and says he will not stop filming regardless.
Key Takeaways
Amit Jani filed an FIR at Ratanada Police Station, Jodhpur on 18 June over death threats tied to his film 'Kala Hiran' .
Threats allegedly came from Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti via phone calls and messages containing weapon photographs.
Alleged threats included bomb attacks, beheading, drone strikes, and petrol bomb attacks .
Jani claims he has faced continuous threats for over two years , including over his earlier film 'Udaipur Files' .
He already holds Y-category security cover with CRPF protection and has now sought additional arrangements in Rajasthan.
Complaints have been submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs , Rajasthan DGP , Jodhpur Police Commissioner , and CRPF officials.
Film director Amit Jani has filed an FIR at the Ratanada Police Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, alleging fresh death threats linked to his upcoming film 'Kala Hiran' (Blackbuck). The complaint, lodged on 18 June, names a Pakistan-based individual identified as Shahzad Bhatti as the source of the latest threats.
Nature of the Threats
According to Jani, Bhatti allegedly contacted him through phone calls and messages, sending photographs of weapons and demanding that he abandon the 'Kala Hiran' project. The alleged threats have included warnings of bomb attacks, beheading, drone strikes, and petrol bomb attacks.
Jani told reporters in Jodhpur that he has been facing continuous threats for over two years, stemming from his earlier film 'Udaipur Files' as well as the upcoming Blackbuck project. He claimed to have received thousands of threats across social media platforms, phone calls, and other channels.
Prior Security Concerns and Existing Cover
The filmmaker said security concerns around him are not new. He stated that former Haryana Special Task Force Deputy Inspector General of Police Simranjit Singh had previously alerted the Uttar Pradesh Police that alleged reconnaissance activities were being conducted near his residence and office.
Following security assessments, the Central government had reportedly granted Jani Y-category security cover along with CRPF protection. He has now sought additional security arrangements for the duration of his stay in Rajasthan.
Complaints Filed Across Agencies
Beyond the FIR, Jani said he has submitted complaints to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Rajasthan Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Jodhpur Police Commissioner Sharat Kaviraj, Udaipur Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan, and CRPF officials attached to his security detail.
He also raised concern that details of his movements and travel plans were allegedly being shared with certain individuals — a claim that security agencies are expected to examine as part of their threat assessment.
Filmmaker Vows to Continue Work
'I am not going to back down because of threats,' Jani said, asserting that even if something were to happen to him, his team would continue the projects. Police officials have begun examining the complaint, and security agencies are expected to determine whether enhanced protection is warranted.
Point of View
And it deserves independent verification rather than routine acknowledgement. The involvement of a named Pakistan-based individual, if substantiated, would make this a cross-border intimidation case with national security dimensions — a threshold that demands more than a local FIR. Whether security agencies treat it as such, or file it as a routine threat complaint, will reveal how seriously the state takes filmmaker safety when the subject matter is contentious.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Kala Hiran' film and why is it controversial?
'Kala Hiran', which translates to 'Blackbuck', is an upcoming film by director Amit Jani. According to Jani, he has been receiving threats for over two years linked to this project and his earlier film 'Udaipur Files', though the specific nature of the film's content that has drawn threats has not been detailed in his public statements.
Who is Shahzad Bhatti and what threats did he allegedly make?
Shahzad Bhatti is identified by Jani as a Pakistan-based individual who allegedly contacted him through phone calls and messages, sending photographs of weapons and demanding he withdraw from the 'Kala Hiran' project. The alleged threats reportedly included warnings of bomb attacks, beheading, drone strikes, and petrol bomb attacks.
What security cover does Amit Jani currently have?
Jani holds Y-category security cover along with CRPF protection, which was reportedly granted by the Central government following earlier security assessments. He has now sought additional security arrangements during his stay in Rajasthan.
Which authorities has Amit Jani approached over the threats?
Jani has filed an FIR at Ratanada Police Station in Jodhpur and submitted complaints to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Rajasthan DGP Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Jodhpur Police Commissioner Sharat Kaviraj, Udaipur SP Amrita Duhan, and CRPF officials assigned to his security.
What is the current status of the police investigation?
Police officials have begun examining Jani's complaint. Security agencies are expected to assess the nature of the threats and determine whether additional protection is required, though no arrests have been reported as of the filing of the FIR.
