Junaid Khan on Maharaj controversy, film being stalled ahead of release: We were all a bit on edge

Junaid Khan’s debut film Maharaj garnered eyeballs for the controversy it was mired in ahead of its release. While the film received positive response when it finally dropped on streaming a week later than its scheduled release, the actor asserts that it was never the intention of the makers to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

Maharaj review: Junaid Khan’s debut has powerful storytelling but lacks impact; Jaideep Ahlawat is terrific

“I certainly did not feel that way when I had heard the script and through my conversations with Sidharth (Malhotra; director) sir and (producer) Aditya Chopra sir,” says the debutant, adding, “The film celebrates a community that stood up for what was right over a hundred and seventy years ago when these sort of things (gender inequality, exploitation of women, religious superstitions) were rampant everywhere. I think as more and more people are watching the film, they are seeing it for what was intended.”

Maharaj’s release was initially halted by the Gujarat High Court after a petition from members of the Vaishnavite Pustimargi sect raised concerns about the film’s depiction of their religious beliefs. The High Court eventually lifted the stay, allowing the film to be released on Netflix on June 21, asserting that the film did not target the sect as alleged.