Maharaj: A Passable Debut for Junaid Khan

The latest period drama to hit Netflix, Maharaj, has been making waves with its unique blend of history and fiction. Based on the life and times of Karsandas Mulji, a reformer who worked tirelessly for women’s rights, the film has been touted as a meaningful story in these heavily-censored times. But does it live up to its promise?

A still from the film

The film’s debutant, Junaid Khan, son of superstar Aamir Khan, has been making headlines with his low-key release on Netflix. But is the film worth the hype? In this review, we’ll delve into the world of Maharaj and explore its highs and lows.

A Strictly Passable Film

Maharaj is set in the 1860s and revolves around the life of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and teacher who takes a principled stand against the adharmi Yadunath Maharaj (played by Jaideep Ahlawat). The film’s opening credits claim that it has been inspired by real events, but also clarifies that it does not make any claims of authenticity or correctness of any events or incidents depicted in the film. This is a clever move, considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

The film’s tone is generic, with a colour palette, songs, and dances that are reminiscent of typical Bollywood fare. The dialogue-heavy confrontation between the hero and the villain is also a familiar trope. But what sets Maharaj apart is its unique storyline, which explores the themes of women’s rights and social reform.

Jaideep Ahlawat Steals the Show

The only one who is completely in sync with the film’s tonality is Jaideep Ahlawat, who has given us a ‘dharm ka dhekedar’ to beat all ‘dharm ke dhekedars’. His portrayal of the arrogant and cunning Yadunath Maharaj is a highlight of the film. You can see he is really working his mildly smiling visage, belied by the arrogant look and his street-style lines.

 A still of Jaideep Ahlawat from the film

Junaid Khan: A Promising Debut

So, does Junaid Khan have his father’s genes? Is he as eye-catching as Aamir was in his debut QSQT? As far as likeness goes, Junaid looks like his own person, and you can see him growing in confidence as the film progresses. But does he leap off the screen? Not really.

The film’s climax, which features a rousing monologue by Karsan, is a highlight of the film. The stand-off between the hero and the villain ends up in court, where we get multiple close-ups of the smirking Ahlawat settled back in a throne-like chair, and Karsan getting to spout his rousing monologue: ‘pratha purani nahin sahi honi chahiye’ (customs should be correct, not just followed through with just because they are old).

Conclusion

Maharaj is a passable film that explores some interesting themes. While it may not be a game-changer, it’s a decent watch for those who enjoy period dramas. Junaid Khan shows promise, but needs to work on his screen presence. Jaideep Ahlawat, on the other hand, is a standout performer who steals the show.

 A promotional poster for the film