The Gujarat High Court has halted the release of Junaid Khan’s starrer, ‘Maharaj‘, a Netflix film directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF production, due to claims that it can hurt “religious sentiments” of people.
Accusations against Netflix and the Film for promoting “Anti-Hindu” sentiments
A petition was registered against the film by the Vaishnavite Pushtimarg sect, as they objected over the content of the film to be “hurting their religious sentiments.” Since the news came to the surface, ‘Boycott Netflix’ has been trending on social media platforms like X.
Historical Background of the Film
The film is based on Saurabh Shah’s novel “Maharaj” which chronicles the events of “The Libel case of 1862”. The Maharaj Libel Case was a trial that happened in 1862 in Bombay Court in British India. Karsandas Mulji, and Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina alleged that the religious leaders of Pushtimarg sect were involved in sexual liaisons with women devotees.
Here’s a poster of the film, which became a controversial subject:
‘Maharaj’ Release Date and Cast
The film was set to release on June 14. In the film, Aamir Khan’s son Junaid, plays the role of the journalist, Karsandasji Mulji, and Jaideep Ahlawat essays the role of the head of the aforementioned sect, Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, who allegedly exploited his female devotees.
Who was Karsandas Mulji?
Born in Gujarat, Karsandas Mulji was a Gujarati language journalist, and a social reformer who was known for his critical voice against the immoral practices followed under the religious sect. He was an editor of “Satyaprakash,” in which he wrote his perspectives on social injustices, orthodoxy, and religious malpractices.
A lawsuit was filed against him for his article on the head of the Vallabhacharya sect, which eventually turned out to be in Mulji’s favor. It is said to be “the greatest trial of modern times since the trial of Warren Hastings.” Evidences claimed the misdeeds of the leader.
The final judgment of the case given by Chief Justice Sir Matthew Richard Sausse favored Mulji’s journalistic duties on bringing such immoral behaviour in the name of religion to the public eye.
More about Pushtimarg Sect
Pushtimarg, also known as Vallabha Sampradaya, is a sect of Hinduism, based on the philosophy of Vallabha, a Telugu Brahmin in 1479-1531 AD, Its followers are known as Pushtimargiya Vaishnavas and are more significantly found in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
#Boycott Netflix Trending on Social Media
There’s has been a major outrage on social media about banning the film, A user on X said, “This film appears to be part of a nationwide conspiracy to defame saints and the Vallabh sect, and many other users that it is hurtful of their “religious sentiments”.
Netflix is back with Anti-Hindu Content.
Amir Khan launches his son by throwing dirt on Sanatan Dharma.
The Film shows Hindu Sadhus as miscreant and lustful. Will Amir Khan make such movie on Islam and Maulana?
It's time Hindus Boycott @NetflixIndia#BoycottNetflix pic.twitter.com/7QJcujouU0
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) June 13, 2024
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