After the Gujarat High Court’s interim order against Junaid Khan’s film ‘Maharaj’, the makers have now decided to challenge the decision. This upcoming Netflix film has been in the news ever since a Hindu group appealed to the court to stop the film’s release alleging that it ‘hurt religious sentiments’.

The Gujarat High Court has stayed the release of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid’s debut film ‘Maharaj’ till June 18. Now, a source close to the film told IndiaToday.in in an exclusive interview that the producers (YRF) and the streaming platform (Netflix) will move ahead to take the matter to court. He informed that ‘Maharaj’ is based on a real-life incident and has been adapted from author Saurabh Shah’s book. Given its background, the makers are hopeful of a positive outcome from the legal case.

Even writer Saurabh Shah shared a post on X and defended the film, urging everyone to watch the film first. He also assured that the film is not against the ‘Sanatan’ and ‘Vaishnav’ communities. On the contrary, it is about a social reformer who brought about a positive social change.

Calling ‘Maharaj’ a matter of pride for Hindus, Shah wrote in Hindi, “Please watch the movie ‘Maharaj’ and share your views. This movie is neither against Sanatan nor Vaishnav sect. I and my entire family are part of the Vaishnav community with full devotion. The book ‘Maharaj’ written by me and the movie made by @yrf, both are in favor of the Vaishnav community. This case of 1862 brought purification in the society and even today lakhs of devotees thank Karsan Das Mulji. Maharaj is a story that Hindus should be proud of.”

Meanwhile, a stay order was issued on a petition filed by devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of Vallabhacharya (Pushtimarg sect). The petition alleged that the film, which is apparently based on the Maharaj defamation case of 1862, may affect public order and incite violence against the sect and followers of Hinduism.

Justice Sangeeta Vishen of the Gujarat High Court considered the arguments of the Pushti Margis and passed an interim order to stop the release of the film in any way. Now the hearing of this case will be held on June 18.

Apart from Junaid, the film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey, while Sharvari Wagh makes a guest appearance. ‘Maharaj’ is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of YRF Entertainment.