‘Maharaj’ controversy: Hindu organizations demand ban on Junaid Khan Film for ‘Portraying Sadhus Negatively’
'Maharaj' controversy: Hindu organizations demand ban on Junaid Khan Film for 'Portraying Sadhus Negatively'
Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, is set to make his Bollywood debut with the film “Maharaj,” which is scheduled to release on Netflix on June 14, 2024. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey in lead roles, with Sharvari Wagh appearing in a cameo.
Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan, is perpetuating this narrative in the movie Maharaj. By referencing an incident from British rule 150 years ago, the film creates a false image of Sadhus and the Vallabh Sampradaya. This film appears to be part of a nationwide conspiracy to defame… pic.twitter.com/XnBsAhVStB
— HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) June 13, 2024
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under the YRF Entertainment banner, “Maharaj” is based on the true events of the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, featuring Junaid as journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji.
However, the film has sparked controversy among Hindu groups and social media users who claim that it portrays religious leaders and sadhus negatively. These groups are demanding a ban on the film’s release, alleging that it defames Hindu religion and cultural traditions.
Netflix is back with Anti Hindu content
— Gaurav 🇮🇳 (@IamGMishra) June 13, 2024
Amir Khan 's son Junaid Khan starrer Maharaj movie showing Hindu sadhus & saints as miscreants & lustful#BoycottNetflix Ban Maharaj Film
Shame on @NetflixIndia @AKPPL_Official pic.twitter.com/YFWhtXgq0F
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “O Hindu wake up… A father (Aamir Khan) makes fun of Lord Shiva by releasing the movie ‘PK’ & his son defames the Hindu religion, and cultural tradition by releasing the movie ‘Maharaj’! This movie must be boycotted..#BoycottNetflix Ban Maharaj Film.”
Another user warned, “Junaid Khan, Yash Raj Films and #Netflix will all be held responsible if this film tries to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus by showing that sadhus and saints are miscreants and lustful, and thereby disrupts law and order. #BoycottNetflix Ban Maharaj Film.”
Further demands for an immediate ban were echoed with comments such as, “Place an immediate ban on ‘Maharaj’ movie releasing on Netflix! Will those Hindu haters who make films insulting Hindu saints also make films on the other religion? #BoycottNetflix.”
Earlier this week, the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, represented by the Bajrang Dal, raised objections to the movie and threatened to prevent its release. A spokesperson for the group stated that they have asked the filmmakers to screen the movie for them before its release to ensure there are no inappropriate scenes.
As of now, neither Junaid Khan, Aamir Khan, nor Netflix have issued a statement addressing these concerns. The controversy continues to escalate as the release date approaches.
