Maharaj (2024)

Let's start with the Characters/Acting. My god.

All the actors in this movie, have done a marvelous job. Not for once did I realise that I was watching a film and actually felt that I was watching the real Karsan Das challenge 'JJ' with all his might. The way the characters are introduced and the way the characters are represented, for once would not make you feel that they were out of place.

Junaid Khan had some pretty big shoes to fill, being the son of Aamir Khan, but I honestly had no idea that he was the son of the veteran actor or even the fact that this was his Debut before watching. Junaid perfectly blends in with his roles, with such a raw performance on screen that it's truly mesmerizing. He holds his own during the movie and does not feel lika debutant AT ALL.

Shalini Pandey as Kishori added alot to the plot, and her innocence being reflected in each scene. Her eyes were so captivating and the way I saw grief in her eyes, moved me.

Sharvari Wagh as Viraaj, as the romantic subplot even though meanders away into nothingness, makes her role so memorable. Her dialogue delivery and the adorable Gujarati accent were all so charming to witness. Her playfulness yet emotional maturity, really gave so much depth to her character. The more I watched her on screen, the more I wanted her to be there. Her performance was just captivating.

And the star of the show, Jagdeep Ahlawat as Jadunath Maharaj. OH MY GOD. Like dude. I have no words. Jagdeep actually became Jadunath. Whenever he'd be on screen, his whole persona exuded that god complex he was portraying so perfectly. Everytime I saw him on screen, all I wanted to do was punch him on the face because of all the things he had done, and I don't think that needs more elaboration. His expressions, his tone, his composure, everything, just made him the highlight of the whole watching experience.

Talking about the story, I had not expected that the movie would be alot about Karsan das and his Past and thought the actual movie be about the proceedings that took place, which was only the last 30min of the story.

Other than that, the whole romantic subplot of Viraaj was kinda unnecessary because it just vanishes by the end, leaving me hanging and wondering. 

The intention of the movie is so precise and clean, not critising a particular religion or sect, but addressing how religion is misused to play with the sentiments of people. How the irrational beliefs of people can make them believe that women should be the 'jhootan' of these maharaj before they become wives, luring them in with the name of 'Charan Seva'. But yet, the execution seemed that it needed more effort. There could have been more powerful moments to move the audience but weren't used as they should have been. 

The movie also failed to take me to the Bombay if the late 19th century. It was very evident that the movie was shot on a set, probably reflecting the budget of the film.

But regardless, the movie is a great watch for the people who wanna know more about the Maharaj Libel case and in general need a good drama to understand the norms pre today's times because-

"Sochne walo ki duniya, Duniya walo ki soch se vakay alag hoti hai" ~Karsan Das.