Junaid Khan’s (Aameer Khan’s son) debut film, Maharaj a Yash Raj Film on Netflix set in Gujarat is based on the landmark Libel Case of 1862 that was fought in the Supreme Court of Bombay, Maharaj isn’t a courtroom film as it may have implied through its synopsis and initial chatter. The historical film, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, is a dramatic showcasing of the events that led to this case and how it remains of historic significance.
Gujarat High Court ordered stay on its release hasn’t really killed the buzz, and if anything, it seems to have only added to the craze and curiosity among audiences. While a particular section might still feel that the film hurts the religious sentiments of people, Maharaj remains an important story.
Set in the 1980s, Maharaj chronicles the times of Karsandas Mulji (Junaid Khan), a Gujarati journalist, writer and social reformer, who fought for women rights, and waged a war when he decided to stand against the evil practices by religious leader Jadunath Maharaj aka JJ (Jaideep Ahlawat), who sexually exploited his female devotees in the garb of superstitious rituals and practices like ‘charan seva’.
It’s after Karsan witnesses his fiancee Kishori (Shalini Pandey) falling prey to Jadunath’s unrighteous act at his haveli, that he decides to expose the religious leader. Jadunath then files a defamation case against Karsan for writing and publishing an article about his erotic escapades in the newspaper Satyaprakash. Not just Jadunath, Karsandas, in his write-up, also mentions fathers and husbands, who offer their unwed daughters and newlywedded wives as sexual objects to Maharaj, believing it to be a service to God.
As a reformist, Karsandas often faced backlash for his pragatisheel (progressive) thoughts that advocated gender equality, widow remarriage and not supporting blind faith in religious leaders who sell themselves as messengers of God. To familiarise audience with his courage, contribution to the society and legacy he has left behind, Maharaj employs powerful storytelling.
This is not a typical Yash Raj Bollywood three-hour epic film with song and dance. There is a nice Bollywood style garba scene and there is romance and drama. Junaid Khan’s acting in his debut film is powerful and compelling. His training and experience on stage acting shows. It looks like he promises to be a great upcoming actor following his fathers’ footsteps.