Maharaj (Netflix) Story :-
Maharaj (Netflix) Taking place in the pre-independence era, the film revolves around the life of Karsandas Mulji, a Gujarati journalist and social reformer. The young and determined Mulji courageously fought against superstition and blind faith by exposing a religious leader, Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, who exploited his female followers under the guise of religious practices. This pivotal moment sparked the landmark libel case of 1862.
Maharaj (Netflix) Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Release Date | 22 June 2024 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Biography, Crime, Drama |
| Duration | 2h 11min |
| Cast | Jaideep Ahlawat, Mark Bennington, Junaid Khan, Shalini Pandey, Sharvari Wagh, Edward Sonnenblick, Jamie Alter, Sameer Paranjape, Reshham Sahaani, Chitra Joshi Shukla |
| Director | Malhotra P. Siddharth |
| Writer | Sneha Desai, Vipul Mehta, Bernard Williams |
| Cinematography | Rajeev Ravi |
| Music | Sohail Sen |
| Producer | Sandi Castro Migliaccio |
| Production | Safe Passage Pictures, Yash Raj Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Maharaj (Netflix) Review :-
Maharaj (Netflix) Based on a true story, contrary to initial impressions, the film is not a courtroom thriller but a historical drama recounting the events that culminated in a landmark court case in the British court of Bombay.
Karsandas Mulji, a contemporary of Dadabhai Naoroji and a fervent advocate for gender equality and social reform, was a pioneer akin to today’s ‘Me too’ movement. Director Siddharth Malhotra earnestly pays tribute to Mulji’s courage, contributions, and legacy, albeit through a somewhat traditional narrative approach. The storytelling unfolds with an opening song leading to a shocking incident that triggers public outcry, reminiscent of the iconic style seen in films like Sholay from the 1970s. However, this treatment feels clichéd given the weighty subject matter. The pacing is sluggish, and the portrayal of the historical era’s world feels inconsistent and theatrical, possibly influenced by production constraints during the pandemic.
The film benefits greatly from its use of fresh talent, which imbues the story with a genuine sense of idealism. Junaid Khan, making a promising debut as Mulji, displays raw authenticity despite occasional tonal roughness, capturing Mulji’s spirit and intellect effectively. He brings much-needed innocence, optimism, and a sincere passion for change to his character, making him likable even in potentially didactic moments. Sharvari Wagh injects vitality and charisma into the otherwise monotonous drama, standing out prominently with her lively presence. Shalini Pandey, though limited by a brief and pivotal role, delivers effectively with the material provided.
The film’s biggest disappointment lies in its most talented yet underutilized actor. Jaideep Ahlawat, with his chiseled physique and stoic demeanor as Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, was expected to convey restrained rage with a cold and callous exterior, but the execution falls short. Despite his capability to deliver the required intensity, he appears out of place, almost as if sleepwalking through scenes set in a Bhansali-esque environment. His restraint feels misplaced.
However, what keeps the film relevant and engaging is the spirited performances of its newcomers and its bold stance against blind devotion. The narrative’s message remains significant today, bravely distinguishing between faith and blind belief. It boldly asserts, “Actions define one’s reputation, not mere reputation.” As a member of the Vaishnav community, Mulji’s historical fight for press freedom resonates strongly in contemporary times. Merely pointing out flaws isn’t enough; true change comes through reform and rehabilitation. Maharaj’s story is inspiring and serves as a catalyst for social awakening, yet the film’s lackluster storytelling fails to ignite the fervor of its premise.
“Maharaj” is now streaming on Netflix.
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