Junaid Khan's debut film 'Maharaj' released on Netflix shortly after receiving clearance from Gujarat HC
Maharaj was scheduled for release on June 14th, but a group of individuals from the Pushtimarg sect prayed for a ban on its release, citing potential offense to religious sentiments.
Junaid Khan's debut film Maharaj, eagerly anticipated for release, faced a legal battle in the Gujarat High Court before being released by Netflix India. Following a clean chit from the HC, Netflix promptly launched the film on their OTT platform. Maharaj, inspired by a real-life case and adapted from Saurabh Shah's book 'Maharaj', portrays the story of a social reformer who catalyzed significant positive societal changes.
Film critic Komal Nahta announced on his X account that Maharaj had been cleared by the Gujarat High Court. "The judge ruled that there's nothing objectionable in the film. Consequently, YRF and Netflix have won the case, allowing the film to be streamed on Netflix anytime now. Originally slated for release on June 14th, a group from the Pushtimarg sect had sought a ban, citing potential offense to religious sentiments," he tweeted.
The Gujarat High Court issued a stay on the release of the film Maharaj, starring Junaid Khan, which was originally set to premiere on Netflix on June 14. Following a petition by members of a Hindu sect, who expressed concerns about potential offense to their religious sentiments, Netflix decided to halt the film's release.
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, Maharaj also features Jaideep Ahlawat. Interestingly, unlike typical mainstream film launches of star sons, there were no trailers or teasers for Maharaj, except for a poster showcasing Jaideep and Junaid. The poster depicts Jaideep's character with a 'tilak' on his forehead, while Junaid portrays a journalist in a waistcoat.
Maharaj is based on the historic Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, a pivotal legal battle in India's history. Junaid Khan portrays the role of journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, while Jaideep Ahlawat plays Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, a prominent figure in the Vallabhacharya sect. The case unfolded in the Bombay High Court, where Mulji sought to expose allegations of sexual misconduct against Maharaj.
On April 22, 1862, the court ruled in favor of Karsandas Mulji after an extensive trial that cost Rs 14,000, awarding him Rs 11,500. Judge Arnould emphasized that the case concerned morals rather than theology, describing it as a landmark trial akin to the trial of Warren Hastings.
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