Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat’s movie “Maharaj” is now available on Netflix after the Gujarat High Court removed its ban.
The much-awaited movie “Maharaj,” featuring Junaid Khan (Aamir Khan‘s eldest son) and Jaideep Ahlawat, is finally on Netflix. This happened after the Gujarat High Court lifted the film’s temporary ban. Gujarat HC lifted its temporary stay. As reported by the Hindustan Times, The court found that the movie, which is about the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, does not harm or target religious feelings. Earlier set to release on June 13, faced backlash from some Hindu groups. They thought it negatively showed saints and holy men. It is to be noted that the makers of the film released only a poster before the film’s launch.
The media publication reports Judge Sangeeta K Vishen, who had stopped the film from releasing, watched it and decided it was fine for Netflix. The court found that the movie tells a historical story without targeting the Pushtimargi religious group. It was stated that Maharaj is based on the events that led to the filing of the libel case and “is not targeted at hurting the sentiments of the Pushtimargi community.” The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) considered the relevant guidelines.
Maharaj
The release of Khan’s debut film was put on hold because some businessmen were worried it might offend a specific religious community. For those who are unaware Maharaj is based on Gujarati writer Saurabh Shah’s 2013 book, on the landmark libel case of 1862. Filed by Jadunathji, a Vaishnavite figure against social reformer Karsandas Mulji who had written against sexual exploitation by the all-powerful Maharaj. The exploitative practice’s expose in the magazine The Satyaprakash had led to a libel case.
Judge Vishen ruled that the fears of the film insulting the Vaishnavite community were baseless. She emphasized that freedom of speech should not be limited due to unproven concerns. Justice Vishen further stated “Thus his court is constrained to conclude that the apprehension of petitioners is based on surmises. Since the film is yet to be released for public viewing, thus on mere presumption, the freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution cannot be curtailed.”
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