The Gujarat High Court recently lifted its temporary ban on the film ‘Maharaj’ for streaming on Netflix. The court ruled that the movie, based on the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, aims to recount historical events without intending to hurt any community’s sentiments.
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, ‘Maharaj’ draws its storyline from a book by Saurabh Shah. It tells the tale of Karsandas Mulji, a young Gujarati Hindu residing in Bombay during the 19th century. The protagonist finds inspiration in Dadabhai Naoroji, a notable Parsi reformer of that era. The film stars Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari, portraying pivotal characters in this historical drama.
The court’s decision underscores the film’s focus on the significance of the Maharaj Libel Case rather than any deliberate attempt to provoke religious sensitivities. This ruling allows ‘Maharaj’ to be streamed on Netflix, offering viewers a glimpse into an important chapter of Indian legal and social history.