Here's Why 'Boycott Netflix' Is Trending Against Release Of 'Maharaj'

The 'boycott' trend is back on X. The latest to fall victim to this is the OTT giant Netflix. As Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan's debut movie 'Maharaj' was all set to stream on the OTT platform, 'Boycott Netflix' started trending on X.

Hindu Right-wing organisations have reacted sharply to the release of the film. The movie is set in pre-independent India and revolves around the true story of Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, where allegations of sexual misconduct against a prominent religious figure of the Vaishnav community sparked huge controversy.

The Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 is a landmark event in the history of Indian judiciary. It is centered around allegations against Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj of the Pushtimarg sect. Journalist Karsandas Mulji, writing for the newspaper Satyaprakash, accused Maharaj of having sexual relationships with female followers and claimed that male devotees were pressured to offer their wives to religious leaders as a form of devotion. This led Maharaj to file a defamation lawsuit against Mulji and the publisher, Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina.

Meanwhile, VHP has appealed the Gujarat High Court to stay the release of the film as it hurts their religious sentiments. The court has acceded to the demand.

Junaid Khan plays the role of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer known for his advocacy of women's rights and social reforms.

Critics on social media claim that Netflix has been promoting content that they view as 'anti-Hindu,' which has led to calls for a boycott of the streaming platform and a ban on the film.

Interestingly, no teaser or trailer for 'Maharaj' has been released, and the film was supposed to stream directly on Netflix starting June 14.

'Maharaj' is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra ('Hichki' fame) and produced by Aditya Chopra under YRF Entertainment. It stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharwari Wagh alongside Junaid Khan in key roles.