FILM REVIEW: MAHARAJ

STORY

Maharaj is a film based on two sides of right and wrong or truth and lie. It is based on a sexual abuse defamation case in which journalist and reformer Karsandas Mulji was sued by religious leader JJ aka Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj for writing a defamatory article.

In which the tenets of the Vallabhacharya sect were questioned, a Hindu sect of which Maharaj was a member. The article exposed how the sect was built on sexual exploitation of women. Male followers were even encouraged to offer their wives for sex with religious leaders as a sign of their devotion.

Sharvari is playing the role of Shalini Pandey in the film. The film has been directed by famous person Siddharth P Malhotra from a screenplay written by Vipul Mehta and Sneha Desai. Let us tell you that YRF and Netflix were planning to release Junaid Khan's first film Maharaj very quietly. Neither the trailer of the film nor the teaser has been released, while a Hindutva sect has raised objection even before the release of the film Maharaj.

SPECIFIC

Junaid Khan's film Maharaj was about to release on Netflix. But the High Court has stopped Netflix from releasing 'Maharaj'. The High Court issued notice to the concerned officials, the film production company and Netflix and fixed the next hearing for June 18. But now…YRF & NETFLIX GOT APPROVAL FROM THE HONOURABLE COURT TO STREAM RELEASE THIS FILM ON NETFLIX. The film is witnessing a clash between Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. While Junaid is playing the role of a journalist in the film, Jaideep is playing the role of a king.

Karsandas sees the teenager in a compromising position with Maharaj and he disowns her. He also questions the practice which he feels exploits women. He decides to raise his voice and as a result, he is disowned by his father. He tries to educate the society, but the people of his community see no harm in letting Maharaj sleep with the women of his family. Moreover, Maharaj uses his influence to crush him. To know what happens next, you have to watch the full movie.

Maharaj is the story of a reformer's fight against a priest. The year is 1861. Karsandas Mulji Junaid Khan lives in Bombay present-day Mumbai with his father Mulji Bhai playing by Sandeep Mehta), maternal uncle and widowed masi , Sneha Desai , Karsandas is a reformer who works with progressive men like Dadabhai Naoroji. He is a religious man but does not believe in superstitions. He is engaged to Kishori playing by Shalini Pandeyand they are set to get married. Kishori is a devotee of Jadunathji player by Jaideep Ahlawat), the priest of Bombay's biggest 'haveli' temple. Jadunathji selects Kishori for a ceremony called Charan Vandana.. in which the priest sleeps with an unmarried woman.

ASPECTS

Vipul Mehta's adapted story is strong and progressive. Vipul Mehta's screenplay (additional screenplay by Sneha Desai is engaging and full of dramatic moments. Sneha Desai's dialogues are apt for the time in which it is set and are sharp.

Siddharth P Malhotra's direction is effortless. He doesn't waste time and the story starts right from the first scene. He also understands the sensitivity of the plot and takes care of it. The film raises many questions but doesn't attack any religion. It is clear from the hero's words that he is targeting exploitation in the name of religion. He doesn't exaggerate either and yet, is strong. The scene where Karsandas sees his fiancée with the Maharaj is disturbing but not provocative. Some other scenes that are noteworthy are Karsandas being thrown out of his house, Karsandas' monologue after the temple is closed and Karsandas challenging the Maharaj.

The most amazing thing about his performance is how his character is forced to follow the norms and is unable to express his reaction. The way he manages to bring it out is commendable. Shalini Pandey looks cute and shines in an emotional scene. Sharvari's role is important though she is credited under 'Special Appearance'. She adds the quotient of laughter to the film and gets into the skin of her character as a woman with a strong Gujarati accent. And right now all Sharvari's films are doing well. And if I may say Sharvari is not a special appearance at all, she has a very long role which runs till the end of the film in the second half.

Jay Upadhyay playing Giridhar Khawas gives able support and suits the role. Sanjay Goradia is endearing. Sneha Desai Bhaabi is memorable. Sandeep Mehta, Kamlesh Ojha Shanti , Priyal Gor playing as Lilavati, Sunil Gupta playing as Naoroji , Utkarsh Majumdar , Maharaj Jamie Alter: lawyer , Mark Bennington aka prosecutor , Edward Sonnenblick Judge Saucey and Vaibhav Tatwawaadi Dr. Bhau Daji Lad are fine.

Rajeev Ravi's cinematography is satisfactory. Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray's production design is well researched. Maxima Basu's costumes are absolutely old-fashioned and have a glamorous appeal. DI, CG, FX's VFX is good but could have been better in some scenes. For more impact in the film Swetha Venkat's editing is good…worth appreciation.

Sohail Sen's music is lovely. It's enjoyable, but it also makes the film stand out. 'A famous song god worship song' sung by Sonu Nigam is soulful. You will be spellbound by it. Balhara and Ankit Balhara's background score has a cinematic feel to it. It will captivate you a lot.

VERDICT

If we see these days, if there is something controversial in a film, people connects the better then there will definitely be court interference in the film and in a way, you can assume that the film is also promoted by the court. But people will be very eager to watch the film.