What Is the Story About?
Maharaj follows the 1862 Maharaj Libel case – a real-life historic case between a brave journalist, writer and social reformer Karshandas Mulji and a self-proclaimed godman ‘JJ’. It’s also an adaptation of Saurabh Shah’s book that goes by the same name. The movie follows how Karshandas Mulji through his newspaper highlighted the religious exploitation done by JJ and even won the legal battle against him.
Performances?
The star of the film without second thoughts is Jaideep Ahlawat. He has the air-headedness, stubbornness and cockiness of a self-declared godman. His face exudes lust and power driven poise, while his eerie smile evokes relentless anger.
Sharvari Wagh‘s presence oozes star-like charm. She should’ve had more do considering how effortlessly she upstaged most of the cast. Junaid Khan’s performance is strictly below average, if we’re generous. His lengthy monologues sound like teleprompter-delivery even when they’re supposed to be inspiring. Portraying a historical figure is not an easy feat and Junaid is not cut for it, yet.
Analysis
Based on Saurabh Shah’s book that goes by the same name and a real life historical legal battle in the 1860s between revered social reformer Karshandas Mulji and a self-proclaimed godman ‘JJ’ who had a cult following amongst the vaishnavites, Siddharth P Malhotra’s Maharaj is a part historical and part Court-room drama that envisages a very strong and relevant premise. i.e, the difference between faith and fanaticism, reasonable and unreasonable, and most importantly normalised exploitation of religion through deification.
Maharaj introduces its main lead, Karshandas Mulji, a journalist and writer who disliked the word ‘das’ in his name. As little Karshan grows up to be a young man, we’re told that he was always ready with his questions and doubts. And now, the very typical villain introduction – JJ aka Maharaj, the godman who basically controls everything in the vaishnavite sect and is an descendant of the almighty himself (as claimed by the devotees).
Karshan faces off with JJ when he learns JJ has been exploiting young women under the guise of devotional service. When Karshan loses the love of his life aka Kishori, he vows to expose JJ’s reality to public who seem to be blinded by his lies. He publishes articles against JJ and even starts his own weekly magazine ‘Satya Prakash’.
When JJ files a defamation case against Karshandas at the court for his articles, it paves way to a historic court battle on religious exploitation. Maharaj is a well intented film. Good Intentions solely don’t result in a good film , but misfires and Maharaj unfortunately becomes one in the process.
Maharaj tries to tackle a subject that’s extremely volatile and undeniably relevant in today’s times where superstitions are prevalent and self-proclaimed god-men hold influence even in a country’s politics. But it doesn’t make a wise and powerful commentary on the same. It merely translates the written material into school-play aesthetics, worsened by etiolated acting performances.
One can’t help but notice how Maharaj lacks the budget and motivation to conquer the ambition it tries to project. The writing and tonal inconsistencies are on the wall and robotic performances accentuate them further. The film is further let down by one-toned dialogues that never make an impact.
In short, Maharaja is well thought but terribly executed. The film neither works as a launch vehicle for Junaid Khan nor as a relevant historic drama. The only takeaway from the film is Jaideep Ahlawat’s and Sharvari Wagh’s presence.
Music and Other Departments?
Sohail Sen’s music is uninteresting and dull for the era the movie is set in. And also for the ears. However, Rajeev Ravi tries his best to salvage unsalvageable directorial and writing choices with his cinematography. The production design is too basic for a Yash Raj Films production. However, it’s the dialogues that disappoint the most as they were barely striking for a premise and story this relevant.
Highlights?
Jaideep Ahlawat
Sharvari Wagh
The real life case on which the film is based
Drawbacks?
Poor casting choices
Screenplay
Production Design & Music
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Maharaj Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
