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VHP Objects to Junaid Khan’s Debut Film Maharaj; Demands Pre-Release Screening Before June 14 Netflix Premiere
With less than a week remaining until the release of “Maharaj,” which marks the debut of Junaid, Aamir Khan’s son, the film has sparked anger from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). According to Bollywood Hungama, the youth wing of the VHP, Bajrang Dal, has sent letters to the film’s producers, Yash Raj Films, and streaming giant Netflix, requesting a screening of the film before its global premiere on June 14.The letter, dated June 3, was personally delivered to Netflix and YRF by Gautam Ravriya, the coordinator of the Konkan region of VHP-Bajrang Dal. The letter expresses concern that the film’s poster portrays a Hindu religious leader in a negative light, potentially hurting the sentiments of a section of the audience and leading to a potential law and order situation.
Gautam Ravriya emphasized in the letter that the VHP must be shown the film before they decide on any future course of action.Gautam Ravriya also shared videos on his Instagram handle, showing him delivering the letter to a Netflix official outside the company’s office in Mumbai, in the presence of his supporters and police officers. In one of the videos, he warns the Netflix official that if anything objectionable is found in “Maharaj,” the VHP-Bajrang Dal will not allow its release anywhere.
Another video shows Gautam Ravriya and his supporters gathered outside YRF Studios in Mumbai.“Maharaj,” set in 1862, is based on the Maharaj Libel Case fought between a prominent religious figure and Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, in the Supreme Court of Bombay. According to a press statement by the makers, it is regarded as one of the most significant legal battles of all time. Alongside Junaid Khan, the film also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey, with Sharvari making a cameo appearance. Siddharth P Malhotra, known for directing “Hichki” (2018), helms the film.
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