YRF issues statement after Gujarat court lifts stay on Junaid Khan’s ‘Maharaj’

YRF issued a statement after the Gujarat High Court lifted its stay on the film’s release. Junaid Khan’s debut film is currently streaming on Netflix.

The court ruled that the film, based on events related to the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, was not intended to hurt the sentiments of any community. In the statement by YRF, the makers expressed their gratitude and wrote how the film celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji.

“We are grateful to the judiciary for allowing the release of Maharaj, a film that celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji. Karsandas, a hero and a devout Vaishnav, stood for righteousness, protected women and safeguarded his community and faith. Maharaj is a tribute to his indomitable fighting spirit and his courage to be on the right side of history (sic),” the statement read.

They further added that YRF has a 50-year-old legacy and they never produced content that tarnished the reputation of the country. “Yash Raj Films has a 50-year-old legacy of championing India, its stories, its people, culture and heritage. We have never produced a film that has tarnished the reputation of our country or our countrymen. Hope you watch Maharaj and join us in saluting Karsandas. Thank You (sic),” he statement added.

Justice Sangeeta K. Vishen, who had initially barred the film’s release on June 13, permitted Netflix to stream it after watching the movie. ‘Maharaj’ features Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid, along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Sharvari Wagh in key roles.

Originally scheduled for release on June 14, ‘Maharaj’ was put on hold when the High Court barred Netflix from streaming it. This decision came after a group of businessmen petitioned the court, arguing that the film had the potential to offend the religious sensibilities of the Vaishnav community.