https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Maharaj_%28film%29Maharaj (film) - Revision history2026-08-19T01:38:38ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maharaj_(film)&diff=514774&oldid=prevJoann47Q9259 at 07:12, 21 April 20262026-04-21T07:12:27Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|2024 Indian film by Siddharth P. Malhotra}}<br />
{{Distinguish|Maharaja (2024 film)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2024}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| alt = <br />
| image = Maharaj poster.jpg<br />
| caption = Official release poster <br />
| director = [[Siddharth P. Malhotra]]<br />
| writer = [[Vipul Mehta (director)|Vipul Mehta]]<br />Sneha Desai<br />
| screenplay = <br />
| producer = [[Aditya Chopra]]<br />
| starring = {{Plain list|<br />
* [[Junaid Khan (Indian actor)|Junaid Khan]]<br />
* [[Jaideep Ahlawat]]<br />
* [[Shalini Pandey]]<br />
* [[Sharvari]]<br />
}}<br />
| cinematography = [[Rajeev Ravi]]<br />
| editing = Shweta Venkat Mathew<br />
| music = '''Songs:'''<br />[[Sohail Sen]]<br/>Alap Desai<br />'''Score:'''<br /> [[Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara]]<br />
| studio = [[Yash Raj Films#YRF Entertainment|YRF Entertainment]]<br />
| distributor = [[Netflix]]<br />
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2024|06|21}}<br />
| runtime = 131 minutes<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/maharaj-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiymzy3 |title=''Maharaj'' (15) |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |date=22 June 2024 |access-date=22 June 2024 |archive-date=22 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622163432/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/maharaj-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiymzy3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />
| country = India<br />
| language = Hindi<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''Maharaj''''' is a 2024 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[historical drama]] film directed by [[Siddharth P. Malhotra]] and produced by [[Yash Raj Films#YRF Entertainment|YRF Entertainment]]. It stars [[Junaid Khan (Indian actor)|Junaid Khan]] in his lead film debut with [[Jaideep Ahlawat]], [[Shalini Pandey]] and [[Sharvari]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/try-this/move/jaideep-ahlawat-transforms-body-shows-abs-in-gym-pic-on-instagram-for-junaid-khans-debut-maharaj-on-netflix/cid/2029557|title=Check out Jaideep Ahlawat's insane physical transformation}}</ref> The film is based on the [[Maharaj Libel Case]] of 1862 and Saurabh Shah's novel about the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shalini-pandey-details-how-shooting-the-horrific-charan-seva-scene-in-maharaj-affected-her-101719569336163.html|title=Shalini Pandey details how shooting the horrific 'charan seva' scene in Maharaj affected her|access-date=1 July 2024|archive-date=1 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701160235/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shalini-pandey-details-how-shooting-the-horrific-charan-seva-scene-in-maharaj-affected-her-101719569336163.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
Initially scheduled to release on 14 June 2024, the [[Gujarat High Court]] stayed the release of the film, based on a [[Hindu]] group's plea that claimed the film could incite violence against followers of [[Pushtimarga Sampradaya]] (a [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] [[Krishna]] sect).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Court stays release of 'Maharaj', here's everything you need to know about Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/court-stays-release-of-maharaj-here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-maharaj-libel-case-of-1862-2024-06-13-936828}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=dkbj |date=2024-06-06 |title=Junaid Khan-starrer 'Maharaj' went through 30 writing drafts, 100-plus narrations » Yes Punjab - Latest News from Punjab, India & World |url=https://yespunjab.com/junaid-khan-starrer-maharaj-went-through-30-writing-drafts-100-plus-narrations/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Yes Punjab - Latest News from Punjab, India & World |archive-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614031653/https://yespunjab.com/junaid-khan-starrer-maharaj-went-through-30-writing-drafts-100-plus-narrations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2024-06-21 |title=Gujarat HC lifts stay on release of 'Maharaj,' debut film of Aamir Khan's son |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gujarat-hc-lifts-stay-on-release-of-maharaj-debut-film-of-aamir-khans-son/article68316320.ece |access-date=2024-06-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=22 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622073609/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gujarat-hc-lifts-stay-on-release-of-maharaj-debut-film-of-aamir-khans-son/article68316320.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> It was finally released on 21 June 2024 for streaming on [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ira-khan-s-new-insta-entry-is-all-about-brother-junaid-khans-debut-film-maharaj-5944236|title=Ira Khan, Kiran Rao Form Junaid's Cheer Squad After Release Of His Debut Film Maharaj|access-date=22 June 2024|archive-date=22 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622152458/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ira-khan-s-new-insta-entry-is-all-about-brother-junaid-khans-debut-film-maharaj-5944236|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Plot==<br />
In pre-independent Bombay, Karsan and his fiancée, Kishori, are members of the ''haveli'' led by Maharaj "JJ". When Kishori is chosen to perform ''charan seva'', a supposed "ritual" that is just JJ indulging in sexual acts with girls, Karsan is upset, though Kishori feels that she did nothing wrong. Karsan breaks off their engagement, and is exiled by his family. When she sees JJ preying on her younger sister Devi, Kishori realizes the error of JJ's beliefs, but feels she has lost Karsan forever. Before Karsan can tell her that he's going to give her a second chance, Kishori takes her own life. Devi gives Kishori's final message to Karsan, asking him to expose JJ's evil to the world.<br />
<br />
Karsan sets out to expose JJ's actions, but encounters several obstacles from JJ and his followers. However, he gains the support of Viraaj, who helps him gain followers and publish JJ's wrongdoings in his own newspaper that begins to change followers' opinions. Livid, JJ threatens Karsan's father to make him stop publishing, but Karsan refuses to give up. Eventually, JJ files a defamation suit against Karsan. Despite the little support he gets, Viraaj encourages Karsan to push forward for women like herself, who were forced to perform ''charan seva'' and did not have a voice to speak up.<br />
<br />
Despite JJ discrediting Karsan's witnesses, Karsan takes the stand and brings light to JJ's misinterpretations of scripture, and his exploitation of women and girls. As he speaks of the importance of not needing a bridge like JJ in order to reach god, ''haveli'' followers in the courtroom take Karsan's side and testify against JJ, proving that claims Karsan published are true. Karsan is acquitted of the charges of defamation. JJ loses his followers, while Karsan is applauded by the people.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
{{Cast list|<br />
* [[Junaid Khan (Indian actor)|Junaid Khan]] as [[Karsandas Mulji]], a progressive thinker and statesman<br />
* [[Jaideep Ahlawat]] as Maharaj Jadunath Brijratan "JJ"<br />
* [[Shalini Pandey]] as Kishori, Mulji's ex-fiancee<br />
* [[Sharvari]] as Viraaj, Mulji's employee, comrade and friend<br />
* [[Viraf Patel]] as Sorabji, Mulji's friend and confidant <br />
* Sunil Gupta as [[Dadabhai Naoroji]]<br />
* [[Vaibhav Tatwawadi]] as Dr. [[Bhau Daji]] Lad<br />
* [[Meher Vij]] as Vahuji, JJ's wife<br />
* Jay Upadhyay as Giridhar Khawas, JJ's right hand man<br />
* [[Ananya Agarwal]] as Devi, Kishori's sister<br />
* [[Priyal Gor]] as Leelavati<br />
* Sandeep Mehta as Mulji, Karsan's father<br />
* Sneha Desai as Bhabhu, Karsan's aunt<br />
* [[Sanjeev Seth]] as Karsan's maternal uncle<br />
* [[Jaya Ojha]] as Karsan's maternal aunt<br />
* Utkarsh Mazumdar as Lalvanji Maharaj<br />
* [[Jamie Alter]] as Defense Attorney Arnesty<br />
* Mark Bennington as Prosecutor Bailey<br />
* [[Edward Sonnenblick]] as Justice Matthew Richard Sausse<br />
* [[Sanjay Goradia]] as Nanubhai<br />
* [[Sharad Kelkar]] as Narrator<br />
* [[Kamlesh Oza]] as Shaamji, Leelavati's brother<br />
* [[Hemant Choudhary]] as Shraddhalu<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
The film began [[pre-production]] in November 2020 and went on floors in February 2021. Suffering shooting halts, the production [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped up]] in October 2023.<br />
<br />
== Soundtrack ==<br />
{{Infobox album<br />
| name = Maharaj <br />
| type = Soundtrack<br />
| artist = [[Sohail Sen]], Alap Desai, [[Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara]]<br />
| cover = <br />
| alt = <br />
| released = 24 June 2024<br />
| recorded = 2022–23<br />
| venue = <br />
| studio = <br />
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]<br />
| length = 21:00<br />
| label = [[YRF Music]]<br />
| language = Hindi<!--Do not link per WP:OL--><br />
| producer = [[Aditya Chopra]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The film's music was composed by [[Sohail Sen]], Alap Desai and [[Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara]] while the lyrics were written by [[Kausar Munir]] and Sneha Desai.<br />
<br />
{{Track listing<br />
| headline = Track Listing<br />
| total_length = 21:00<br />
| extra_column = Singer(s)<br />
| title1 = [[Achutam Keshavam]]<br />
| extra1 = [[Sonu Nigam]], Osman Mir<br />
| music1 = [[Sohail Sen]]<br />
| lyrics1 = Traditional <br />
| length1 = 4:35 <br />
| title2 = Holi Ke Rang Ma<br />
| extra2 = [[Shreya Ghoshal]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], Osman Mir, Sohail Sen <br />
| music2 = Sohail Sen <br />
| lyrics2 = [[Kausar Munir]]<br />
| length2 = 5:07<br />
| title3 = Haan Ke Haan <br />
| extra3 = [[Monali Thakur]]<br />
| music3 = Sohail Sen <br />
| lyrics3 = Kausar Munir <br />
| length3 = 4:01<br />
| title4 = Gurujan <br />
| extra4 = Sangeeta Labadiya <br />
| music4 = Alap Desai<br />
| lyrics4 = Sneha Desai<br />
| length4 = 1:50<br />
| title5 = The Love Ballad Theme <br />
| music5 = [[Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara|Sanchit Balhara-Ankit Balhara]]<br />
| length5 =2:47<br />
| title6 = Viraj's Theme <br />
| music6 = Sanchit Balhara-Ankit Balhara<br />
| length6 = 1:30<br />
| title7 = The Face-off Theme: Karsan VS Maharaj <br />
| music7 = Sanchit Balhara-Ankit Balhara<br />
| length7 = 2:30<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Reception==<br />
On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 29% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.9/10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maharaj {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/maharaj |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref><br />
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A critic for ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Maharaj makes an important comment. The protests and legal issues will further increase its viewership."<ref>{{cite news|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|title=Maharaj Movie Review: MAHARAJ makes an important comment.|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maharaj/critic-review/maharaj-movie-review/maharaj-makes-an-important-comment/|magazine=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=21 June 2024|access-date=24 June 2024|archive-date=24 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624023642/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maharaj/critic-review/maharaj-movie-review/maharaj-makes-an-important-comment/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
[[Saibal Chatterjee]] of ''[[NDTV]]'' rated this film 2 stars out of 5 and said, "For all the elements that work in Maharaj, there is a whole bunch of others that don't. A period drama that has so much to say has never felt so inert and ineffectual".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Saibal|last=Chatterjee|title=Maharaj Review: Junaid Khan Tries Gamely To Rise Above The Tameness Of The Script|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/maharaj-review-junaid-khan-tries-gamely-to-rise-above-the-tameness-of-the-script-2-stars-5943494|access-date=2024-06-22|website=[[NDTV]]|archive-date=23 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623015243/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/maharaj-review-junaid-khan-tries-gamely-to-rise-above-the-tameness-of-the-script-2-stars-5943494|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shubhra Gupta]] of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' also gave 2 stars out 5 and stated, "The only one who is completely in sync with the film’s tonality is Jaideep Ahlawat, who has given us a 'dharm ka thekedar' to beat all 'dharm ke thekedars'."<ref>{{Cite web |first=Shubhra|last=Gupta|title=Maharaj movie review: Junaid Khan and his debut are both strictly passable|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/maharaj-movie-review-junaid-khan-and-his-debut-are-both-strictly-passable-9407114.|access-date=2024-06-22 |website=[[The Indian Express]]|date=22 June 2024 }}</ref> [[Sukanya Verma]] of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' rated this film 2 stars out of 5 and observes that "Maharaj's mediocre social drama lacks the spine and spunk to recreate the relevance of revolutionary decisions in the face of religious fanaticism".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Sukanya|last=Verma|title=Maharaj Review: Much Ado About Nothing|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/maharaj-review/20240622.htm|access-date=2024-06-22|website=[[rediff.com]]|archive-date=22 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622172418/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/maharaj-review/20240622.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
Sana Farzeen of ''[[India Today]]'' gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Junaid Khan, as a first-timer, looks confident and at ease on screen. 'Maharaj' is an unconventional and brave debut choice, and Khan captures your attention. As expected, Jaideep Ahlawat once again gives a flawless performance. He is as effortless as JJ".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Sana|last=Farzeen|title='Maharaj' Review: Junaid Khan's debut deserves more attention than controversy|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maharaj-review-junaid-khan-debut-deserves-more-attention-netflix-release-2556388-2024-06-21|access-date=2024-06-22|website=[[India Today]]|date=21 June 2024 |archive-date=22 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622114042/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maharaj-review-junaid-khan-debut-deserves-more-attention-netflix-release-2556388-2024-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref> Monika Rawal Kukreja of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' said, "Though Maharaj is set in the pre-independence era, the story and the fight against 'bhakt culture' holds relevance in today's times".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Monika Rawal|last=Kukreja|title=Maharaj review: Junaid Khan's debut has powerful storytelling but lacks impact; Jaideep Ahlawat is terrific|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maharaj-review-junaid-khans-debut-has-powerful-storytelling-but-lacks-impact-jaideep-ahlawat-is-terrific-101719053874007.html|access-date=2024-06-22|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=23 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623020140/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maharaj-review-junaid-khans-debut-has-powerful-storytelling-but-lacks-impact-jaideep-ahlawat-is-terrific-101719053874007.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Renuka Vyavahare ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated 2.5 stars out of 5 and stated "Based on a true story, unlike the impression given, the film isn’t a courtroom thriller. It’s a historical drama retelling the events that led to the court case fought in the British court of Bombay".<ref>{{Cite news|first=Renuka|last=Vyavahare|title=MAHARAJ REVIEW : JUNAID KHAN MAKES A PROMISING DEBUT IN A SLUGGISH HISTORICAL DRAMA|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/maharaj/ottmoviereview/111172237.cms|access-date=2024-06-21|website=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=23 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623020541/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/maharaj/ottmoviereview/111172237.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
Shilajit Mitra of ''[[The Hindu]]'' observes that "If not for the touchiness of our times, a film as simple, sedate and self-congratulatory like 'Maharaj' would likely slip under the radar".<ref>{{Cite news |first=Shilajit|last=Mitra|title='Maharaj' movie review: Junaid Khan's debut film means well, runs dull|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/maharaj-movie-review-junaid-khans-debut-film-means-well-runs-dull/article68318044.ece|access-date=2024-06-22 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Nandini Ramnath writes for ''[[Scroll.in]]'', "The film is barely convincing as a period production. The makers are equally unable to depict the sensitivity of religious feeling or the monumentality of Karsan’s decision to take on a powerful sect. It’s hard to critique cultish behaviour when there’s no curiosity behind the sentiment that leads to such behaviour".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Nandini|last=Ramnath|title='Maharaj' review: A royal slog|url=https://scroll.in/reel/1068811/maharaj-review-a-royal-slog|access-date=2024-06-22|website=[[Scroll.in]]|date=21 June 2024 |archive-date=22 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622182653/https://scroll.in/reel/1068811/maharaj-review-a-royal-slog|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Controversies ==<br />
On 13 June 2024, the Gujarat High Court issued an interim stay on the release of ''Maharaj''. This decision was in response to a petition by members of the Pushtimarg sect, who argued that the film, based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, contained content that could incite violence and offend religious sentiments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Web |first=Statesman |date=2024-06-21 |title=Gujarat HC gives the green light to Junaid Khan's film ‘Maharaj’ |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/ott/gujarat-hc-gives-the-green-light-to-junaid-khans-film-maharaj-1503312460.html |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Gujarat HC allows release of 'Maharaj', says film does not target any sect |url=https://theprint.in/feature/gujarat-hc-allows-release-of-maharaj-says-film-does-not-target-any-sect/2141739/ |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=[[The Print]] |language=en-US}}</ref> However, after reviewing the film, Justice Sangeeta K. Vishen lifted the stay, stating that the film did not target the sect and had been appropriately certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. Consequently, the film was allowed to stream on Netflix from June 21, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title='Maharaj': Gujarat Court Lifts Stay On Release Of Junaid Khan's Film |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/maharaj-gujarat-court-lifts-stay-on-release-of-junaid-khans-film |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Outlook India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Gujarat court lifts stay on 'Maharaj', Junaid Khan film streaming on Netflix |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/junaid-khan-maharaj-streaming-netflix-after-gujarat-high-court-lifts-stay-jaideep-ahlawat-yrf-2556302-2024-06-21 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630172349/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/junaid-khan-maharaj-streaming-netflix-after-gujarat-high-court-lifts-stay-jaideep-ahlawat-yrf-2556302-2024-06-21 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* {{IMDb title|tt4501268}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:2024 Hindi-language films]]<br />
[[Category:2024 Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:Netflix original films]]<br />
[[Category:Films involved in defamation lawsuits]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in Gujarat]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in 1862]]<br />
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]<br />
[[Category:Hindi-language films based on actual events]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]</div>Joann47Q9259