The release of ‘Maharaj,’ featuring Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan in his debut role, is now on hold following a Gujarat High Court decision to temporarily halt the film’s release until June 18.
The legal challenge arose after an urgent petition highlighted the film’s portrayal of Hindu gods and controversial comments about the Vaishnava sect. The petitioner argued that such content could deepen Hindu-Muslim divides and harm Hindu and Vaishnav societies globally.
Petitioner Shailesh Patwari expressed his concerns to ANI. He stated the film inaccurately depicts Hindu scriptures and could incite sectarian tension. Patwari emphasized the potential global impact of the film’s planned release on an OTT platform.
In response, the film’s producers have challenged the High Court’s interim injunction. The Court will review all related petitions on June 18.
Another petition was filed by devotees of Lord Shri Krishna and followers of Vallabhacharyaji from the Pushtimarga sect. They claim that ‘Maharaj’ includes content from the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case that disparages Hinduism. They fear the film could ignite violence against Hindus and violate digital media ethics under the 2021 rules.
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, ‘Maharaj’ also features actors Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari, and Shalini Pandey.
Set in 1862, the film draws from the historical context of early Indian universities and the Sepoy Mutiny. It tells the story of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and reformer who advocated for social changes, including women’s rights.
Netflix and Yash Raj Films aim to present Mulji’s courageous actions in ‘Maharaj,’ initially slated for a June 14 release.
