‘Ban Maharaj Film’ and ‘Boycott Netflix’ trends, Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan’s debut film in controversy

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan is making his acting debut this week with ‘Maharaj’. Surprisingly there has been no promotion, teaser or trailer of the film ahead of its release on Netflix. However, the film has fallen prey to controversy and is facing a ban call from a section of netizens.

Junaid Khan’s ‘Maharaj’ faces backlash

Hashtags like 'Boycott Netflix' and 'Ban Maharaj Film' trended on social media on Thursday with a section of users calling for a ban on the film, claiming the upcoming period drama hurts religious sentiments.

In an unusual move, the movie is releasing on the streamer without any promotions. No teaser or trailers have been put out by the makers for the film, barring a poster featuring Jaideep and Junaid. They are standing side by side with Ahlawat's character sporting a 'tilak' on his forehead while Junaid's character, reportedly a journalist, is dressed in a waistcoat.

VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi was one of the many X users who called for a ban on ‘Maharaj’. "Won't tolerate the disrespect of Sanatan Dharma (Sanatan Dharma ka apmaan sehen nahin karenge). Ban Maharaj Film. #BoycottNetflix," Prachi wrote on the microblogging site. “Until when "Hindu saints" will continue to be insulted in films,” asked another X user.

A recap of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’?

The boycott calls for ‘Maharaj’ appear to be a recap of what happened with Aamir's film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. Many posts calling for a boycott of the 2022 movie recalled an earlier controversy in 2015 when Aamir had said he was alarmed by a number of incidents of growing intolerance in India.

About ‘Maharaj’

According to the makers, ‘Maharaj’ is set in pre-independent India and is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by ‘allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure’. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment, the movie also stars Shalini Pandey with Sharvari in a special appearance. The film is part of the multi-year creative partnership between Netflix and Yash Raj Films' digital arm YRF Entertainment.

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