Gujarat HC halts release of Junaid Khan’s debut film “Maharaj” after plea from Hindu group

Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, was set to make his acting debut in the film “Maharaj”. However, the Gujarat High Court has halted its release after a Hindu group filed a petition claiming the movie could incite violence and disrespect Sanatan Dharma.

The film, produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment and directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, was set to premiere on June 14.

The petition was filed by followers of the Pushtimarg sect, who are devotees of Krishna. They argued that “Maharaj” makes blasphemous comments about Krishna and his hymns. They also pointed out that the filmmakers have not released a trailer, which limits public awareness of the movie’s content.

Alongside Junaid Khan, the movie stars Jaideep Ahlawat and is based on the historical Maharaj Libel Case of 1862.

The film explores the story of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, and his courageous stand in a landmark legal battle during pre-independent India.

Earlier this week, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sadhvi Prachi also called for a ban on the film, leading to hashtags like ‘#BoycottNetflix’ and ‘#BanMaharajFilm’ trending on social media.

The Gujarat High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 18. Until then, the release of “Maharaj” is on hold.