New Delhi: The much-awaited Siddharth P. Malhotra film Maharaj, starring Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, in the lead role, has finally debuted on Netflix. After a chaotic week filled with court challenges and social media outcry, the movie was finally released when the Gujarat High Court lifted a temporary ban on the film’s release.
Maharaj is a dramatized retelling of the historic 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, where journalist Karsandas Mulji exposed the sexual misconduct of a powerful religious leader, Jadunathji Maharaj. The film is based on a 2013 Gujarati novel by Saurabh Shah and aims to highlight the clash between religious conservatism and progressive reform in colonial India. While the film’s courtroom scenes come later, it focuses on the clash between Karsandas and the corrupt Jadunathji, played by Jaideep Ahlawat.
The narrative explores power dynamics in religious sects and the struggle of reformists. Mixed Critical Reception Critics had varied opinions. Some praised Junaid Khan’s portrayal of Karsandas, while others felt he lacked presence.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s performance as Jadunathji received praise for its intensity and nuance, especially as a villainous figure. Legal challenges temporarily delayed the film’s release due to objections from a religious group, later dismissed by the Gujarat High Court. This controversy mirrored the film’s themes of challenging powerful religious figures.
As Viraaj, Sharvari Wagh made an impression by addi.
