Junaid Khan’s Debut Film “Maharaj” was delayed Due To Stay Order From High Court

Gujarat High Court has issued a stay order against Junaid Khan’s debut film Maharaj.

Junaid Khan, son of actor Aamir Khan, and Siddharth P Malhotra’s Maharaj has hit an unexpected roadblock just hours before its Netflix release date of June 14 (Friday). Due to a Gujarat High Court order of stay of its release earlier in the week following an appeal by Vishwa Hindu Parishad that claimed it hurt their religious sentiments, Maharaj will no longer be released as scheduled this Friday (June 14th).

ETimes reported on Thursday, that VHP filed a petition in Ahmedabad and the Gujarat High Court gave instructions for public screening of their film until June 18th if possible; otherwise, it will only become clear at another hearing date.
Though neither Yash Raj Films nor Netflix has yet commented on this matter, Netflix informed that due to ongoing proceedings, the embargo for reviewing the film had been extended from June 14 afternoon. Their communication stated that a revised embargo date will be shared shortly – suggesting uncertainty over when exactly its release might take place.

Maharaj is inspired by the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case in which Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj of Pushtimarg sect filed a defamation case against publisher Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina and journalist Karsandas Mulji for their comments that Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj had sexual liaisons with women followers; men were expected to demonstrate their devotion by providing their wives for sexual relations with religious leaders; but court sided with defendants by ruling that journalist was doing his duty of uncovering misdeeds by religious leaders; hence ruling favouring defendants and ruling that journalist was only performing his duty of uncovering religious leader’s misdeeds and misdeeds, noting defamation proceedings against Mulji and publishers Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina and Ranina.

Junaid Khan plays Karsan and Jaideep Ahlawat plays Jadunath Maharaj with Shalini Pandey and Sharvari in supporting roles. Produced by Aditya Chopra for YRF Entertainment, Maharaj will be released on Netflix without any promotions whatsoever; only its poster was revealed before release.