Netflix’s latest offering, ‘Maharaj’, marks the debut of Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, who portrays Karsan Das Mulji, a journalist who dared to stand up against overwhelming odds. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, who delivers another impressive performance as the self-styled godman JJ.
Imagine a young child in the 19th century questioning his parents about why women wear ‘ghoonghat’ (veil) and whether gods can speak their language. It’s no surprise that he grows up to be a revolutionary, fighting for a just cause.
Background and Adaptation
‘Maharaj’ is based on the real-life ‘1862 Maharaj Libel Case’ and has been adapted from Saurabh Shah’s book of the same name. Originally set to release on June 14, the film faced a delay due to a petition filed by a Hindu outfit for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Consequently, most viewers are already aware of what to expect from the film.
Plot Overview
Karsandas Mulji (Junaid Khan) is a social reformer who has been questioning social customs and rituals since childhood. As he matures, he learns about a religious leader named JJ (Jaideep Ahlawat), who is sexually exploiting women under the guise of offering salvation. Karsandas discovers that many women in society, including his fiancée, are victims of JJ and decides to expose him, embarking on a journey fraught with challenges and sacrifices.
Maharaj Review
The story is a David and Goliath tale where the underdog, Karsan Das, driven by personal tragedy, decides to fight against the atrocities committed by religious leaders. He uses journalism to reveal JJ’s sexual exploitation of female followers, including minors, and the expectation that men offer their wives to JJ as a sign of devotion. The film portrays Karsan’s battle not just against powerful leaders but also against the blind devotion of the people around him, highlighting the manipulation of gullible minds by those exploiting religion.
Strengths of Maharaj
While the story may seem familiar, the film’s events hit hard due to a screenplay that quickly draws you in. Karsandas’s journey from a curious child to a committed young man who sacrifices everything for his cause makes the audience root for him. The writers and director present JJ’s societal atrocities unflinchingly while balancing this with reminders that the film critiques those who exploit religion, not religion itself. Karsandas’s logical explanations distinguishing true religiousness from mindlessly following false godmen are particularly compelling.
Weaknesses of Maharaj
The film includes some unnecessary songs that could have been shortened or omitted, as they dilute the drama’s impact. Additionally, the courtroom scenes could have been more impactful with a larger share of the screenplay.
Performances
Junaid Khan, in his debut role, portrays a strong character and shows sincere effort, though he still needs to develop a more natural on-screen presence. Jaideep Ahlawat excels as JJ, delivering a manipulative yet calm performance, one of the best of his career. Shalini Pandey is adequate as Karsandas’s fiancée, and Sharvari Wagh impresses as a colleague with a charming Gujarati accent.
Director Siddharth P. Malhotra excels in delivering a hard-hitting film on a challenging subject, achieving a balanced and impactful narrative with the help of his writers.
Final Verdict
‘Maharaj’ is a compelling drama that lingers in your mind long after viewing. Jaideep Ahlawat delivers a memorable performance, and Junaid Khan makes a strong entry into the film industry with a significant role.