The Gujarat High Court has stayed the release of Maharaj, the debut film of Bollywood star Aamir Khan's son Junaid, on Netflix after followers of Pushtimarg, a Vaishnava sect of Hinduism, claimed that it would hurt their religious sentiments.
A single-judge bench of Justice Sangeeta Vishen on Thursday passed an order against the film slated for release on Netflix on Friday.
The bench also issued notices to the Centre, Netflix, and Yash Raj Films, which has produced the film, and posted the matter for further hearing on June 18.
Eight members of the Pushtimarg sect filed a petition against the release after they came across articles about the film, apparently based on the famous Maharaj Libel Case of 1862.
The petitioners have claimed that their religious sentiments would be "seriously hurt" if the movie is permitted to be released, and it is likely to affect public order and incite violence against followers of the sect.
Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Mihir Joshi submitted that the film was based on the "Libel Case of 1862", which was heard and decided by British judges.
He further said that a reference was made to the excerpts from the court's judgment containing scandalous and defamatory language, which affects followers of the sect.
The petitioners pointed out that the British-era court, which had decided the libel case, "castigates the Hindu religion and makes seriously blasphemous comments against Lord Krishna as well as the devotional songs and hymns".
They also argued that the movie sought to be released in a secretive manner without a trailer or promotional events to avoid any access to the storyline.
The petitioners further submitted that if such a movie is permitted to be released, their religious sentiments would be seriously hurt, and it would be an irreparable loss.
Earlier, the petitioners had approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, requesting to take immediate measures to block the film's release. However, there was no response or action from the ministry, it was stated.
The petitioners claimed that the release of the movie based on the Maharaj libel case of 1862 is likely to incite hatred and violence against the Pushtimarg sect, which would be in breach of the code of ethics under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, and the self-regulation code of Over-the-Top Technology (OTT).
A representation was also made in April to Yash Raj Films and Netflix by some other trust for a pre-release private screening. But there was no response.
Senior advocate Joshi said the refusal strengthened the petitioners' apprehension, and considering the secrecy maintained by the respondent filmmakers, an adverse inference can be drawn.
Considering the reach of streaming platforms and immediate distribution worldwide, it would be impossible to rectify the damage caused by the release, the petitioners stated.
The 1862 libel case was centred on a clash between a Vaishnavite religious leader and social reformer, Karsandas Mulji, who, in an article in a Gujarati weekly, had alleged that the godman had sexual liaisons with his female devotees.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.