Jobaaj Stories
The new historical drama "Maharaj," featuring Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, is already facing controversy a day before its Netflix premiere. Social media users are calling for a ban on the film, with hashtags like 'Boycott Netflix,' 'Ban Maharaj Film,' and 'Aamir Khan' trending on X (formerly Twitter) since Thursday morning.
"Maharaj," set in pre-independent India, tells the story of the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which involved accusations of misconduct against a well-known religious figure. The film, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, also stars Jaideep Ahlawat.
दीमक रात-दिन मेहनत करता है, लेकिन वह सृजन नहीं, विनाश करता है।
— rebanta pandey (@Jitu172) June 13, 2024
ठीक वैसे ही बॉलीवुड, नेटफ्लिक्स भी उसी दीमक के समान हैं जो हिंदुओं और उनकी संस्कृति को नष्ट कर रहे हैं।
| महाराज फिल्म पर प्रतिबंध लगाएं
बॉलीवुड का बहिष्कार करें#BoycottNetflix #BanMaharajaOnNetflix… pic.twitter.com/hHzrTyX2vK
Unlike most movies, "Maharaj" is being released without any promotional campaigns. There are no teasers or trailers, just a single poster showing Jaideep Ahlawat's character with a 'tilak' on his forehead and Junaid Khan’s character dressed as a journalist.
The backlash grew when VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi tweeted, "Won't tolerate the disrespect of Sanatan Dharma. Ban Maharaj Film. #BoycottNetflix," reflecting the views of many who believe the film disrespects their religion.
Netflix's press release last month explained that "Maharaj" focuses on Karsandas Mulji, a 19th-century journalist and social reformer who advocated for women's rights and societal changes. Mulji, a student at Elphinstone College in Mumbai and a follower of scholar Dadabhai Naoroji, wrote about widow remarriage and supported the harmed people.
#BoycottNetflix ?
— 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐣 🗿 (@Patharbaj) June 13, 2024
क्योंकि फिल्म Maharaj , तो जब बात खुदके देवी देवता की आए और धर्म की आए तो बॉयकॉट और वहीं दूसरी तरह एक समुदाय के लिए जितनी नफरत बेच सको बेचो जितनी फिल्में बना सको बनाओ,
72 हूरें, हम 2 हमारे 12 और पता नहीं क्या क्या,
"Ban Maharaj Film" 🤣#cheating #KillTrailer pic.twitter.com/caZSAHUTf5
Critics of the film worry that "Maharaj" might negatively portray historical religious figures and events, leading to calls for a boycott. They argue that the film could misrepresent historical facts and hurt religious sentiments.
Neither Netflix nor the film’s producers have commented on the boycott calls. The controversy has drawn more attention to the film, but it remains unclear if this will lead to more viewers or a larger backlash.
The debate over "Maharaj" highlights the challenges of portraying historical and religious themes in India. Filmmakers must navigate the fine line between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity. Social media plays a significant role in amplifying these issues, and the response to "Maharaj" may influence future projects on similar topics.
As "Maharaj" gets ready to premiere on June 14, audiences are divided on whether to support or boycott the film. For now, viewers are eagerly waiting for the film's release, ready to form their own opinions amid the ongoing controversy and boycott calls. Whether "Maharaj" will be appreciated as a historical drama or overshadowed by the backlash remains to be seen.
