Maharaj OTT Release: Gujarat HC Halts Aamir Khan's Son Junaid Khan's Debut Film On Netflix; Check WHY

Junaid Khan Bollywood Debut Film Maharaj Release Updates: Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan is set to make his Bollywood debut with YRF's 'Maharaj'. The movie was supposed to have a direct-to-digital premiere on Netflix today (June 14). However, just before the release, Junaid's debut film has landed in trouble. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, Maharaj - based on true events - stars Junaid Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh and Shalini Pandey.

About Junaid Khan Debut Film - Maharaj

Produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment and helmed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, Maharaj stars Junaid Khan as a fearless journalist and a social reformer, while Jaideep Ahlawat will be seen as a powerful devotee.

"It all came to a head in the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure, the case garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, setting the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time," the press release from Netflix reportedly read.

Maharaj OTT Release On Netflix: Gujarat HC Halts Junaid Khan's Debut Film Release

Set in the pre-Independent India, Junaid Khan's debut film is based on the Maharaj Libel case of 1862, which was apparently ignited by "allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure".

According to India Today, the Gujarat High Court issued a stay the release of the film after a group of devotees of Lord Krishna filed a plea claiming that movie could incite violence and also accused it of "disrespecting" Sanatan Dharma. Reportedly, it was also claimed that the Maharaj makers intentionally didn't release the trailer to offer a limited access to the story.

As reported by the portal, the "stay order was issued on a petition filed on behalf of devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of Vallabhacharya, which is the Pushtimarg sect."

As per reports, the movie release has been halted until the next hearing on June 18.

"Considered the submissions. Issue notice to the respondents, returnable on 18.06.2024. Ad-interim relief is granted in terms of paragraph 11(C), till the next date of hearing," Justice Sangeetha K Vishen was quoted saying the Justice Live Law.