Maharaj (2024) is a gripping Hindi historical drama directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra (known for Hichki) and produced by Yash Raj Films. Based on Saurabh Shah’s novel and the real-life Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, it marks the acting debut of Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari Wagh, and was released on Netflix on 21 June 2024, following a brief stay imposed by the Gujarat High Court over concerns about its religious sensitivities.
Plot Overview
Set in pre-independence Bombay, Maharaj tracks the courageous journalist Karsandas Mulji (Junaid Khan) as he accuses influential religious figure Maharaj Jadunathji Brijratanji (Jaideep Ahlawat) of immoral and exploitative behavior. This sparks a landmark libel trial challenging entrenched orthodoxy and blind faith. Mulji’s fervent pursuit of justice and press freedom culminates in a riveting courtroom spectacle that forces society to confront uncomfortable truths.
Cast & Production Team
- Junaid Khan anchors the film in his debut role as the determined reformist Mulji.
- Jaideep Ahlawat commands the courtroom as the powerful and unsettling Maharaj.
- Shalini Pandey and Sharvari Wagh offer emotional depth and resilience as allies to Mulji.
The screenplay by Vipul Mehta and Sneha Desai, along with an evocative score by Sanchit & Ankit Balhara, adds emotional weight to the narrative.
Critical Reception & Ratings
Critical response to Maharaj was mixed:
- Rotten Tomatoes shows 29% critics and 79% audience approval—viewers generally appreciated the story more than critics did.
- The Hindustan Times praised the storytelling but noted it lacked lasting impact, despite its relevance to current issues of faith and media freedom.
- Times of India (2.5/5) felt the film’s “insipid storytelling” dampened the power of its premise.
- Filmibeat applauded Jaideep Ahlawat’s standout performance and Junaid Khan’s promising debut, even within a sluggish narrative framework.
On Reddit, reactions ranged widely:
“I thought the movie was quite enjoyable… society that our great-great-great-grandparents lived in.”
Praise for period details and performances.
But others were less impressed, calling it “wooden” and outdated—highlighting missed storytelling potential.
Why Maharaj Matters
Despite its pacing flaws, the film’s importance lies in spotlighting a historical fight against religious exploitation and advocating for press freedom. Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal brings complexity to the antagonist, while Junaid Khan’s debut shows real promise and conviction underweighty material.
Watch Maharaj on YoMovies
Looking for a cinematic stage for societal reform and moral bravery? Stream Maharaj in full HD on YoMovies, where history meets courage. Only on YoMovies.
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