In a significant development for the Indian film industry, the Gujarat High Court on Friday lifted its temporary stay on the release of ‘Maharaj,’ the debut film of Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan. This pivotal decision allowed the highly anticipated film to start streaming on Netflix, just a week after its initially scheduled release date.
The temporary stay had been imposed following a petition filed by devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of Vallabhacharya, belonging to the Pushtimarg sect. The petitioners argued that the film, based on the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, could incite violence and disrupt public order by allegedly hurting religious sentiments. These concerns were found to be without sufficient grounds, leading the court to lift the stay.
Immediately after the court’s verdict, Yash Raj Films, the production house behind ‘Maharaj,’ took to Instagram to express their gratitude. “We are grateful to the judiciary for allowing the release of ‘Maharaj,’ a film that celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji,” the post read. They further emphasized their commitment to the nation’s cultural heritage, proclaiming, “Yash Raj Films has a 50-year-old legacy of championing India, its stories, its people, culture & heritage. We have never produced a film that tarnished the reputation of our country or our countrymen.”
The film, which sheds light on the historic 1862 libel case involving Vaishnavite religious leader Karsandas Mulji, was accused of making blasphemous comments against Lord Krishna and mocking devotional songs and hymns. Nevertheless, the Gujarat High Court’s decision came after thorough scrutiny, as it found no objectionable content that could justify the restriction.
Shailesh Patwari, one of the petitioners, highlighted the rigor of the judicial process, stating, “The hearing had been going on for a few days, and the judge didn’t find anything objectionable in this film. We accept the High Court’s decision because the High Court judge has sanctioned it. We don’t need any more evidence beyond this.”
The controversy surrounding the film’s release drew considerable media attention.
. The petition, submitted to the Gujarat High Court, raised multiple objections, claiming that the film’s narrative could potentially incite violence against the followers of the Pushtimarg sect. The petitioners specifically pointed out that the libel case, ruled over by English Judges of the Supreme Court of Bombay, involved serious allegations of misconduct by a prominent religious figure. The petition stressed that such a portrayal could lead to social unrest.
Additionally, the petitioners criticized the film’s marketing strategy, claiming that the release of ‘Maharaj’ was devoid of sufficient promotional materials, especially a trailer. They speculated that this was an intentional move to limit the audience’s exposure to the narrative, adding to their grievances.
Despite these objections, the Gujarat High Court found no substantive evidence to warrant an ongoing stay. The verdict was eagerly awaited by both film enthusiasts and the industry at large. Following the ruling, Netflix promptly made the film available on its streaming platform, allowing audiences nationwide to watch it.
‘Maharaj’ now stands as not just a piece of entertainment but a significant cultural document, bringing to light the story of Karsandas Mulji, a prominent social reformer of the 19th century. The film’s release is being seen as a victory for creative freedom and an important precedent for the intricate balance between artistic expression and religious sentiments.
The successful release of ‘Maharaj’ after the legal turbulence emphasizes the role of the judiciary in upholding the principles of free speech and artistic expression. For Junaid Khan, this film marks an important milestone, laying the foundation for what seems to be a promising career in the film industry. For Yash Raj Films, it’s yet another reaffirmation of their long-standing commitment to powerful storytelling that respects and celebrates India’s rich cultural tapestry.
As ‘Maharaj’ garners viewers and potentially critical acclaim, its journey from courtroom debates to a streaming platform highlights the often complex intersection of culture, religion, and art in contemporary India.
