The eagerly awaited debut of Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, in the film ‘Maharaj’ has encountered a setback as the Gujarat High Court intervened to stay its release. This decision comes in response to a petition filed by a Hindu group, expressing concerns that the movie could potentially provoke violence.
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and featuring Jaideep Ahlawat alongside Junaid Khan, ‘Maharaj’ has been at the center of controversy due to its portrayal of the historic Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. The petition, representing devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of the Vallabhacharya sect, highlights fears that the film’s narrative could disrupt public order and incite hostility towards their community.
The crux of the issue lies in the alleged blasphemous remarks against Lord Krishna and the devotional hymns depicted in the film, originating from the Maharaj Libel Case. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the limited promotional material available for the film, including the absence of a trailer, potentially leading to misunderstandings and hurt sentiments.
In response to these concerns, Justice Sangeeta Vishen of the Gujarat High Court has issued an interim order halting the release of ‘Maharaj’ until further notice. The case is slated for a hearing on June 18, where the fate of the film will be further deliberated.
As the legal battle ensues, the future of ‘Maharaj’ remains uncertain, leaving audiences and stakeholders alike awaiting a resolution to this contentious issue.”
