Maharaj Controversy: Gujarat High Court Postpones Release Of Junaid Khan's Debut Film; Makers Issued Notice- REPORTS

Junaid Khan’s debut film Maharaj was all set to release on Netflix on June 14, however, the Gujarat HC has stayed the release and sent notices to the makers of the movie

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Maharaj Controversy: Gujarat High Court Postpones Release Of Junaid Khan's Debut Film; Makers Issued Notice- REPORTS
Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat starrer Maharaj was all set to release on Netflix on June 14 after a long wait. The minimal noise around the film’s release, only one poster being released and no trailer or teaser, had left the netizens questioning why there isn’t much hype around Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's eldest son’s debut film’s release. With no promotional activities planned, Hindu activists and right-winged netizens demanded a ban on the film as it might hurt religious sentiments. Now, as per a recent media report, the Gujarat High Court has stayed its release and sent notices to the makers of the movie.

According to a report by the Free Press Journal, Hindu activist accused the makers of the film for hurting religious sentiments by showing a particular sect in a negative light. Several followers of the Vaishnavite Pustimargi sect, who identify as the devotees of Lord Krishna, filed a petition in the Gujarat HC a day before the film’s release, on Thursday, to seek a temporary stay on Maharaj. They claimed that the film might hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus as it portrays religious leaders in an objectionable light. ALSO READ: Junaid Khan’s Debut Film Maharaj In Trouble! Activists Demand Ban For Showing Saints In A Negative Light; Netizens Say, ‘This Needs To STOP’


As per the media publication’s report, not only has the court ordered a stay on the film’s release until further notice, but they have also issued notices to Yash Raj Films, Netflix, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The report adds that the next court hearing of the case will be held on June 18, 2024. It is to be noted, that the makers of the film are yet to issue an official statement on the stay order and the backlash. ALSO READ: DID YOU KNOW Aamir Khan’s Son Junaid Khan Waited 3 Years For The Announcement Of His Debut Film ‘Maharaj’?

Earlier in the week, netizens had taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to demand a ban on the film and to boycott the OTT platform for always showing content that portrays Hindu’s in a negative light.

If reports are to be believed, Maharaj is based on a true incident of the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, one of the most significant legal battles in India. Junaid reportedly plays the role of a journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, on the other hand Ahlawat essays the role of Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj one of the heads of the Vallabhacharya sect.
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