- By Srishti Pandey
- Fri, 21 Jun 2024 06:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharaj OTT Release: Junaid Khan's much-anticipated debut film, Maharaj, has finally hit the screens on Netflix after facing a legal battle in the Gujarat High Court. The film, which was originally scheduled for release on June 14th, was halted following a petition by a group from the Pushtimarg sect, who sought a ban on its release, citing potential religious sentiments. However, minutes after receiving a clean chit from the Gujarat HC, Netflix released the film on its OTT platform.
Inspired by a real-life case and adapted from Saurabh Shah's book, Maharaj, the film delves into the life of a social reformer who brought about significant positive changes in society. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, Maharaj also stars Jaideep Ahlawat.
The legal battle surrounding the film began when a group from the Pushtimarg sect filed a petition seeking a ban on its release, claiming it would hurt religious sentiments. However, the Gujarat High Court dismissed the petition, stating that there was nothing objectionable in the film.
The film critic Komal Nahta confirmed the news on X, stating, "Judge said, there’s nothing objectionable in the film. So YRF and Netflix win the case. The film can be streamed on Netflix anytime now."
Maharaj is based on the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, one of the most significant legal battles in India. The film sees Junaid Khan portraying the role of journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, while Jaideep Ahlawat plays the role of Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, a religious leader. The case, which ran in the Bombay High Court, saw Karsandas Mulji fighting to expose the alleged sexual misconduct of Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj.