REVEALED: Controversial film Maharaj was passed by the CBFC with minimal cuts; Junaid Khan-starrer had a censor certificate though it is not mandatory for OTT releases

The controversial film Maharaj was finally released yesterday, June 21, on Netflix after the Gujarat High Court lifted the stay. The film has been in the news ever since the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal raised an objection on the grounds that it hurts religious sentiments. The film was originally scheduled to drop on Netflix on June 14 but on June 13, a stay order was imposed on its release. The hearing began on June 18 and the arguments were heard daily for four days. During the hearing, the advocates representing Netflix and Maharaj’s producers, Yash Raj Films, revealed that the period drama had obtained a censor certificate.

It has come to light that Maharaj was seen by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) way back in May 2023. On May 29 last year, the CBFC passed the film. This was one of the strongest points made by the respondents that helped them vacate the stay order. The lawyers reasoned that Maharaj is a direct-to-digital release and hence, doesn’t require a censor certificate. Yet, their film has been certified.

Bollywood Hungama found some more details about what happened at the CBFC office when the film was up for certification. A source told us, “Maharaj was first viewed by the Examining Committee (EC). However, because of its sensitive content, it was referred to the Revising Committee (RC). The RC, however, understood the intent of the filmmakers and that the content was not against any religion or sect. Hence, the film was passed though some minimal cuts were imposed. The makers accepted the cuts and the film playing on Netflix is the one with the modifications that was asked by the RC.”

The source continued, “It is common knowledge how the CBFC often asks for a lot of cuts for films dealing with religion or any controversial topic. Yet, they passed Maharaj and this went in the favour of the makers.”

Set in 1862, Maharaj is based on the Maharaj Libel Case fought between a prominent religious figure and Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, in the Supreme Court of Bombay. According to the press statement released by the makers, it was one of the most significant legal battles of all time. Maharaj marks the debut of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey and Sharvari. It is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra of Hichki (2018) fame.

Also Read: Junaid Khan starrer Maharaj gets a clean chit from Gujarat court, makers express gratitude