Regular readers at Binged are well aware of the fact that Netflix India’s Maharaj was in legal trouble. The movie starring Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat in the lead roles is based on an 1862 case. “Maharaj” is based on a historical libel case from 1862, where religious leader Jadunathji sued social reformer Karsandas Mulji. Mulji had published an article accusing Jadunathji of having sexual relationships with his female followers.
Since there is a religious angle involved in the case, there are organisations that got offended just by the premise and poster. The makers did not reveal any teaser or trailer and the film eventually had to be postponed too. Just a night before the film’s scheduled release on the 14th of June, the court ordered a stay on the movie. Later, the makers challenged the stay order and the court agreed to watch the film to give it a clearance.
Justice Sangeeta K Vishen, from the Gujarat High Court, arrived at a prima facie conclusion that the movie is based on events that led to the filing of the Libel case of 1862 and is not targeted at hurting the sentiments of any community. This is a massive win for Yash Raj Films and Netflix India. Netflix India has already scheduled the release of Wild Wild Punjab as its next original film. It will be interesting to see how they fit Maharaj into the slate.
Now that Maharaj has gotten clearance for release from High Court, stay tuned to Binged for every update regarding its release.