Aamir Khan’s Son Junaid Makes A ‘Quiet’ Yet ‘Controversial’ Debut As Hashtags ‘Boycott Netflix’, ‘Ban Maharaj Film’ Trend

New Delhi: Aamir Khan’s son Junaid is all set to make his Bollywood debut with the Netflix film Maharaj. Backed by Yash Raj Film, Maharaj is all set to release on June 14.

Those who target Bollywood stars for nepotism may not believe that Junaid auditioned a lot but faced numerous rejections, including from his father’s home production Laal Singh Chadda. Despite encountering seven significant rejections, the producer of his upcoming film stumbled upon one of Junaid’s previous audition tapes, offering him to audition. However, even this opportunity came with certain conditions.

Junaid has kept a low profile in the industry like his famous father.  Following three years of studies in dramatics and subsequent graduation, Junaid dedicated a few years to honing his craft in theatre. However, the stage wasn’t his sole endeavour. Since 2017, concurrently with his theatrical pursuits, Junaid actively explored opportunities in the film industry.

 The filming of the movie began in February 2021 and concluded within eight months. Since then, Junaid has been waiting for its release.

Maharaj, directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and co-starring Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh, and Shalini Pandey in pivotal roles, is said to be inspired by the 1862 Maharaja Libel Case. It revolves around a religious leader who sued a newspaper for alleging inappropriate relationships with his female followers. Junaid portrays a journalist in the movie.

The synopsis of the story reads, “The year is 1862, a time when there were only three universities in India, Rabindranath Tagore is a year old and the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 continues to fan the flames of independence. Against all odds, one man takes a courageous stand in a landmark legal battle, a true story that’s now come to light in Maharaj — more than 160 years later.”

However, a section of social media users have called for a ban on the period drama.

Hashtags like ‘Boycott Netflix’, ‘Ban Maharaj Film’ and ‘Aamir Khan’ started trending on X on Thursday morning and well into the afternoon ahead of the film’s premiere.

VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi was one of the many X users who called for a ban on “Maharaj”. “Won’t tolerate the disrespect of Sanatan Dharma . Ban Maharaj Film. #BoycottNetflix,” Prachi wrote on the microblogging site.

According to a press release issued by Netflix last month, “Maharaj” follows Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, who was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and social reform. A student at Elphinstone College in Mumbai and a protege of the scholar-leader Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji wrote on widow remarriage, stood up for the oppressed, and sowed the seeds of reform in society.

“It all came to a head in the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure, the case garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, setting the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time,” the streamer said.