‘Boycott Netflix’, ‘Ban Maharaj Movie’ trends ahead of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid’s debut

Hashtags like “Boycott Netflix” and “Ban Maharaj movie” were trending on social media on Thursday, with some users calling for a ban on “Maharaj” as the upcoming period drama hurts religious sentiments.

The film, which premieres on Netflix on Friday, marks the debut of Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan. The hashtag “AamirKhan” also trended on X.

“Maharaj” is set in pre-independent India and is based on the 1862 Maharaj libel case, which erupted after “allegations of misconduct by prominent personalities,” according to the makers.

The film is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra under his YRF Entertainment banner and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat.

Unusually, the film is releasing on the streamer without any fanfare. Apart from a poster featuring Jaideep and Junaid, the makers have not released any teaser or trailer for the film.

They are seen standing side by side, with Ahlawat’s character sporting a ’tilak’ on his forehead and Junaid’s character, reportedly a journalist, wearing a waistcoat.

VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi was among the many X-users who demanded a ban on ‘Maharaj’.

“We will not tolerate disrespect towards Sanatan Dharma (Sanatan Dharma is within us). Ban Maharaj film. #BoycottNetflix,” Prachi wrote on the microblogging site.

According to a press release issued by Netflix last month, “Maharaj” follows the life of journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, who was a pioneer in the cause of women’s rights and social reform.

A student at Mumbai’s Elphinstone College and a disciple of scholar-guru Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji wrote about widow remarriage, stood up for the downtrodden and sowed the seeds of reform in society.

“It all culminated in the Maharaj libel case of 1862, a case that began with allegations of misconduct by prominent figures, attracted widespread attention and scrutiny, and set the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time,” the streamer said.

How long will “Hindu saints” continue to be insulted in films, asked another X user.

Another alleged that Aamir was trying to get his son to feature in a “Hindu film which is creating a false image of sadhus and Vallabh Sampradaya by citing incidents from the British era.”

Such content could alienate Hindu youth from Sanatan Dharma, he said using the #BoycottNetflix hashtag and urged people to demand a ban on “Maharaj.”

“#BoycottNetflix…How dare they make a film on another community…!!!! They know the consequences. Hindus are still in a deep sleep,” wrote one user.

However, one X user pointed out that there is a double standard when it comes to films about Hindus and Muslims.

“Since the film is ‘Maharaj’, you are calling for boycott even though it depicts your gods, goddesses and religion. When it depicts any other community, there is an attempt to peddle as much hatred as possible through the film,” the user said, referring to controversial films like “72 Hoorain” and “Hamare Barah”.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed Annu Kapoor’s film “Hamare Baarah” from its June 14 release, taking into consideration allegations that it is insulting to the Islamic faith and married Muslim women. The film’s title was also changed on the directions of the Central Board of Film Certification (its earlier title was “Hum Do Humare Baraah”).

The call to boycott “Maharaj” seems like a repeat of what happened with Aamir’s film “Laal Singh Chaddha”.

Many posts calling for a boycott of the 2022 film were reminiscent of an earlier controversy in 2015 when Aamir had said he was alarmed by numerous incidents of intolerance in India.

“Annapoorani,” starring Nayanthara, also ran into controversy when it was released on Netflix after its theatrical release, for hurting religious sentiments. The makers eventually removed the film from Netflix and the lead actor apologized on social media.

“Maharaj” also features Shalini Pandey and Sharvari in special appearances. The film is part of a multi-year creative partnership between Netflix and YRF Entertainment, the digital division of Yash Raj Films.