Netflix’s Maharaj: How Aamir Khan’s son Junaid’s film is a massive global hit

The film, which released on June 21, stars Junaid Khan in his debut role alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey and Sharvari (in a special appearance) and has received rave reviews. It is a must-watch film, not just in India but across the world.

Not just Junaid Khan or Jaideep Ahlawat, but also director Siddharth P Malhotra deserves praise for handling Netflix’s Maharaj story in a sensitive manner. This period drama has raised important questions that cannot be ignored. And we don’t need big stars for a film to be successful, we just need good craftsmen and both Jaideep Ahlawat and Junaid Khan have done justice to their roles.

Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the YRF Entertainment-Netflix collaboration film released on June 21. The Netflix-YRF Entertainment collaboration Maharaj has made it to the top ten list of non-English language films worldwide in 22 countries.

Junaid Khan, the new star to watch out for

Junaid says, “I am grateful for the love, appreciation and feedback that people have given me for my debut. I congratulate my producer YRF, my director Siddharth P. Malhotra, Jaideep sir, Sharvari, Shalini and all the cast and crew members on this special moment. This is our collective victory. We made a special film that Netflix has taken to the world and is resonating with audiences across the globe.”

Netflix’s Maharaj is truly unique

Following this feat, the film quickly rose to number two on Netflix’s top ten list of non-English language films in the week following its release.

Based on the Maharaj defamation case of 1862, the film has resonated with audiences for its compelling narrative and exceptional performances, showcasing the power of this incredible collaboration.

Set in the pre-independence era between 1850 and 1900, Karsandas (Junaid Khan) belongs to the Vaishnava community of Gujarat. Since his childhood, he is a curious person. Karsandas, played by Junaid, had a progressive mind. The story of the Netflix series Maharaj He did not try to bring down any community or any religious belief, but he tried to say that you cannot call yourself God or greater than God. Most importantly, Maharaj makes us understand that we should encourage a child who asks questions and answer all his doubts with patience.

Enlightens us on Maharaj’s defamation case

On 21 October 1860, Karsandas Mulji, editor of the Gujarati newspaper Satya Prakash, published an article titled “The Primitive Religion of the Hindus and Present Heterodox Opinions”. The article exposed the alleged adulterous and immoral acts of Vaishnav priests, specifically targeting Jadunathjee Brizruttonjee Maharaj of the Vallabhacharya sect. Mulji accused the sect of sexual exploitation, shamelessness, immodesty, mischief and deceit, detailing how the Maharaj defiled the wives and daughters of his devotees.

In response, Jadunathjee Maharaj filed a suit for libel against Mulji and Nanabhoy Rustomjee, the printer, on 14 May 1861, in the Bombay High Court. The trial began on 26 January 1862 and lasted for twenty-four days, attracting significant public attention. On 22 April 1862, the Chief Justice ruled in favour of the defendants, confirming the duty of the press to expose such misdeeds. The court upheld the veracity of the allegations of sexual exploitation and stressed that religious beliefs cannot obscure morality. This landmark judgment by Justice Joseph Arnould underlined the role of the press in moral responsibility and was considered the “greatest judgment of modern times since the Warren Hastings trial”.

WATCH the trailer for the Netflix series Maharaj here:

Lachmi Deb Roy is the Entertainment Editor at Firstpost, Network18. She reviews films and TV shows from a gender perspective. Her interviews are called ‘Not Just Bollywood’ because she is very interested in world cinema. She prefers theatrical releases unless it is a King Khan film. She is also interested in fashion, food and art reviews. see more

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