Did the director of ‘Maharaj’ aim to stir controversy or tell a journalist's true story?
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Synopsis
In an enlightening discussion, director Siddharth P. Malhotra unveils the sincere intentions behind his film ‘Maharaj’, which tells the compelling story of a journalist facing societal challenges. This film, available on Netflix, highlights the importance of perspective and social reform.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Maharaj’ portrays a journalist's fight for women's rights.
- Director Siddharth P. Malhotra aimed for sincerity, not controversy.
- The film is inspired by the real-life figure Karsandas Mulji.
- It highlights the need for societal change.
- The film is available for streaming on Netflix.
Mumbai, June 21 (NationPress) Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, whose film ‘Maharaj’ has celebrated a year since its release, emphasized that there was no intention to provoke controversy; instead, they aimed to narrate an authentic story of a journalist.
In a recent conversation with IANS, the director discussed casting actors Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film marked Junaid's debut, putting him in direct competition with Jaideep, who portrayed the film's antagonist.
Regarding the character development process, the director mentioned to IANS, “We conducted extensive rehearsals and readings. As a director, it’s my duty to present Jaideep effectively on camera. From day one, you should know what you’re doing. If you fail to instill that confidence, it reflects poorly on you. Sharvari had a different role; she could have easily overacted, but she performed remarkably. We trained both Sharvari and Junaid in the same environment, which required significant effort.”
He added, “Our intentions were entirely sincere. We were not creating a film for the sake of controversy; we wanted to tell the story of a journalist who advocated for women, even before the MeToo movement emerged. The film conveys the message that you belong to your God.”
“Junaid and Karsan express that as a society, without a shift in our outlook, we risk perpetuating issues for centuries. While the names of such spiritual leaders may change, the societal evils remain. Karsan, portrayed by Junaid, dared to challenge that status quo,” he further explained.
‘Maharaj’ is inspired by journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid, in the lead role. Karsandas, a student of Elphinstone College in Mumbai, was mentored by the esteemed scholar-leader Dadabhai Naoroji. He was part of the Gujarati Gnanprasarak Mandalli (Gujarati Society for the Spread of Knowledge) and was closely associated with notable Gujarati reformists like poet Narmad and educator Mahipatram Neelkanth.
He faced backlash from the conservative Gujarati society of his era due to an article that criticized Vaishnava Archaryas (Hindu religious leaders) for their conduct. This article led to the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which serves as the film's foundation.
The movie is available on Netflix.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of storytelling in cinema. ‘Maharaj’ serves as a reminder of the journalist's role in advocating for social justice. The film not only sheds light on historical injustices but also emphasizes the ongoing need for change in society. It is a narrative that resonates deeply with the current discourse on women's rights and social reform.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the film ‘Maharaj’?
The film focuses on the journey of a journalist who fought for women's rights before the MeToo movement, highlighting the importance of social reform.
Who are the lead actors in ‘Maharaj’?
The film features Junaid Khan in his debut role and Jaideep Ahlawat as the antagonist.
What historical figure is ‘Maharaj’ based on?
The film is inspired by Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer known for his critical writings against societal norms.
Where can I watch ‘Maharaj’?
You can stream ‘Maharaj’ on Netflix.
What was the controversy surrounding the film?
While some perceived it as controversial, director Siddharth P. Malhotra clarified that the film's intent was to tell an honest story, not to provoke.
