Maharaj Movie Review: Time and again, Indian cinema has given us stories from the pages of history textbooks or allowed us to travel back in time to witness landmark cases. And director Siddharth P. Malhotra’s latest Netflix film, Maharaj, is one such story. The film is an honest attempt to portray a legal battle, inspired by the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, which is also called ‘the greatest trial of modern times since the trial of Warren Hastings’.
The legal battle takes place between a journalist and a famous godman, where the latter gets embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, with onlookers intently watching every move of the judges. The case garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, setting the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time. This trial ran in the Bombay High Court in 1862.
Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, makes his debut with this historical drama, playing the role of journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji. Jaideep Ahlawat plays the role of a godman, Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, one of the heads of the Vallabhacharya sect.
Filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra has certainly brought out the best performances from them. His direction is commendable. The film is well-researched. He skillfully captures the essence of the period, creating a visually stunning film that immerses the audience in the 18th and 19th centuries. The cinematography enhances the narrative, with every frame being vibrant and reflecting the era’s authenticity. The film’s pacing is well-maintained, ensuring the story flows smoothly without any lulls. The editing is sharp, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film.
Junaid steps into the shoes of Karsandas Mulji with much-needed conviction. His dialogue delivery is on point, and he brings in the right sense of charm, wit, and sensitivity. As the plot thickens, Khan’s performance remains compelling, drawing the audience deeper into the historical narrative. There’s a lot of honesty and hard work, and that’s evident in his performance. He surely makes a promising debut.
Jaideep Ahlawat never ceases to surprise. You’d be intimated by him. He delivers his part with so much intensity and authenticity. He is simply terrific, as he does not let a single false note creep into his character. He brings in the fear, the menace, and the raw emotion that the role demands.
Shalini Pandey, on the other hand, portrays her part with innocence. She finds the perfect balance between her emotions and is an absolute delight to watch. She plays Junaid’s love interest, and her chemistry with him is palpable.
Sharvari Wagh lights up every frame with poise. She makes an impactful extended cameo. Her commendable acting skills and ability to mold her character effortlessly speak volumes about her dedication to the craft.
All the actors have played their parts exceptionally well, avoiding any trace of caricature. They bring authenticity to their roles, each contributing significantly to the storyline’s progression. Their performances are nuanced and compelling, ensuring that every character feels real and essential to the narrative.
Maharaj feels incredibly real and avoids being too extreme for viewers. The necessary cinematic liberties enhance the storytelling without detracting from its authenticity. The narrative is strong and well-balanced. Hence, the plot leaves no room for distraction, keeping the audience hooked until the very end.
All in all, if you are into history and curiosity runs inside your veins, Junaid Khan’s Maharaj can entertain as well as educate you about one of the landmark cases ever fought in history.
