Maharaj, the film based on the landmark 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, is now streaming on Netflix after the Gujarat High Court lifted its temporary stay on the film's release.

The film marks the acting debut of Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan, who plays the role of social reformer Karsandas Mulji. Jaideep Ahlawat stars as the powerful religious leader, referred to as "Maharaj" or "JJ" in the film, who was accused of sexually exploiting his devotees. The film also features Shalini Pandey as Mulji's fiancée Kishori and Sharvari Wagh in a guest appearance.
Maharaj is based on a 2013 book of the same name by Gujarati writer Saurabh Shah, which chronicles the events leading up to the Maharaj Libel Case. The case revolved around journalist and reformer Karsandas Mulji, who published an article in his self-published journal Satya Prakash, accusing a prominent Vaishnav religious leader, Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj, of sexually exploiting his devotees. This led to the Maharaj filing a libel case against Mulji, which was ultimately decided in Mulji's favor by a British judge in Bombay (now Mumbai).
The film follows Karsandas Mulji's journey, from his birth and early years to his growing zeal for social reform under the guidance of Dadabhai Naoroji. It depicts how the powerful and wealthy Maharaj, revered by the Vaishnav community, exploited his devotees by convincing them that having sex with him was a service to God.
Jaideep Ahlawat's portrayal of the Maharaj, or "JJ" as he is called in the film, has been widely praised. The actor manages to convey the character's sinister nature through his beatific smile and minimal dialogue, making his exploitation of devotees all the more believable and unsettling.
As for Junaid Khan's performance as Karsandas Mulji, the reviews have been more mixed. While the actor holds his own in scenes alongside Ahlawat and Sharvari Wagh, his performance has been described as "middling at best," with some critics finding his earnestness jarring at times.

A lawsuit claiming the film could offend Vaishnav beliefs led the Gujarat High Court to temporarily block Netflix from streaming it. However, the court later reversed the decision, finding the film historically based and respectful of all communities.
The court noted that the film's "core message" was the fight for social reform led by Karsandas Mulji, who himself was from the Vaishnav community. The judge also pointed out that the book on which the film is based was published in 2013 without any reported incidents of communal disharmony.
Maharaj has been praised for its attention to historical detail and its exploration of the power dynamics within the Vaishnav community. However, some critics have raised concerns about the film's portrayal of the protagonist, Karsandas Mulji, who is depicted as a self-righteous and sometimes problematic character.
One reviewer noted that while Mulji claims to be a feminist, his actions towards his fiancée, Kishori, suggest otherwise. The reviewer found it "shocking" that Mulji shames Kishori after witnessing her being assaulted by the Maharaj, rather than confronting the perpetrator. This dissonance between Mulji's words and actions has been seen by some as a flaw in the film's portrayal of its protagonist.
Despite these criticisms, Maharaj has generated significant interest and discussion, particularly around the issues of religious exploitation, social reform, and the role of the media in exposing such practices. The film's release on Netflix has also sparked a broader conversation about the challenges and controversies surrounding the streaming of content that deals with sensitive historical and religious topics.
In conclusion, Maharaj is a film that delves into a significant chapter of Indian legal and social history, with a talented cast led by Jaideep Ahlawat's powerful performance as the Maharaj. While the film's portrayal of its protagonist has been the subject of some debate, it remains a thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics between religion, power, and social reform in 19th-century India.

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