Legal Battle Halts Aamir Khan's Son Junaid's Debut Film 'Maharaj'
- IndiaGlitz, [Friday,June 14 2024]
Maharaj, the debut movie of Aamir Khan's oldest son Junaid, has been delayed in its release by the Gujarat High Court. The court ruled after a Hindu group filed a petition alleging the film could incite violence, according to an India Today story. The Siddharth P. Malhotra-directed Maharaj stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Junaid Khan.
Filed on behalf of Pushtimarg sect adherents of Vallabhacharya and devotees of Lord Krishna, the petition contends that Maharaj, which is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, contains blasphemous material against sacred songs and Lord Krishna. It says the movie's release without enough marketing, including a trailer, could seriously offend religious feelings.
Release of the movie was temporarily halted by Justice Sangeeta Vishen pending more hearings on June 18. The court will speak to worries about possible disturbances in public and harm to emotion.
Maharaj is billed by Netflix as a historical drama set in 1862 in India's social and political environment. It shows journalist and woman's rights activist Karsandas Mulji caught up in a crucial court dispute that sparked national discussion.
Protests have been started online about the topic; hashtags like Boycott Netflix and Ban Maharaj Film are becoming popular. The case highlights continuing discussions in India's film business about religious sensitivity and artistic expression.