The Gujarat High Court has lifted its temporary stay on the release of Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan's debut film, ‘Maharaj,’ which is now available for streaming on Netflix. The court determined that the film, which is based on events related to the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, was not intended to offend any community's sentiments.
Justice Sangeeta K. Vishen, who initially barred the film's release on June 13, allowed Netflix to stream it after viewing the movie. ‘Maharaj’ stars Junaid Khan, along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Sharvari Wagh in significant roles.
In her ruling, Justice Vishen stated, "This court arrives at the prima facie conclusion that the film, Maharaj, is based on events that led to the filing of the libel case and is not targeted at hurting the sentiments of the Pushtimargi community. The film had been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification, an expert body after considering the relevant guidelines. The interim relief granted on June 13 has been vacated."
The film was originally scheduled for release on June 14, but its debut was halted when the High Court temporarily barred Netflix from streaming it. This action was taken after a group of businessmen filed a petition, arguing that the film could potentially offend the religious sensibilities of the Vaishnav community.
The stay order was issued in response to a petition filed on behalf of devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of Vallabhacharya, who belong to the Pushtimarg sect. The petitioners claimed that the movie, based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, could disturb public order and incite violence against the followers of the sect and the Hindu religion.
Aside from Junaid Khan, the film features Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey, with Sharvari Wagh making a guest appearance. ‘Maharaj’ is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under the YRF Entertainment banner.
