Maharaj: A Riveting Recount Of A Landmark Libel Case

Maharaj: More than just a godman exposé

When I began watching the Hindi language film Maharaj on Netflix, the looming face of a religious sect leader turned me off. Having a subconscious aversion to “ungodly” godmen, I stopped watching. From the brief viewing, I had surmised that the movie was another exposé of notorious abuses in temples, churches, and places of worship under the guise of devotion.

However, when my friends alerted me that Maharaj was the debut film of Amir Khan’s son Junaid, I wanted to give the new Khan on the block my undivided attention. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra , the period drama is tailor-made for Junaid Khan, who plays Karsandas Mulji, a fearless journalist and social reformer, who takes on a powerful godman in the controversial Maharaj Libel Case of 1861 in Bombay High Court .

A landmark libel case

The narrative revolves around the landmark trial initiated by Maharaj Jadunathjee Brajratanjee, colloquially known as “JJ,” against Karsandas Mulji (1832–1871) and the owner of the press, Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina. Mulji (Junaid Khan), penned a scathing editorial titled “ Hinduo No Asli Dharam Ane Atyar Na Pakhandi Mato ” (The True/Original Religion of the Hindus and the Present Hypocritical/Phoney Sects) in his Gujarati newspaper, Satyaprakash . The editorial criticized the Pushtimarg Vaishnav Hindu sect, accusing its leaders, particularly JJ, of engaging in sexually exploitative practices under the guise of religious devotion.

Mulji came from a respected, orthodox Pushtimarg merchant family in Bombay. As an inquisitive child with the intellect to question the status quo, Mulji grew keen on transforming the thought processes of his community by sharing his progressive ideologies. Despite being disowned by his family for his reformist views, dropping out of college, and being deemed an atheist by his community, Mulji remained steadfast on his path of social reform.

Junaid Khan’s compelling debut

Junaid Khan, dressed in homespun khadi and sporting a neat mustache, embodies the character of Karsandas Mulji in a compelling debut. Wrapped up in ideology, Khan’s character has no room for nonsense or personal weakness. He portrays Mulji as a determined reformer challenging the controversial norms of his time without any second to spare for romance or frivolity.

When he meets the vivacious and likeminded Viraaj (Sharvari Wagh), he is still mourning the loss of his fiancee Kishori (Shalini Pandey) who falls prey to JJ’s sexual exploitation in the guise of “charan seva.” Enraged by her willingness to follow this tradition, Mulji breaks off his engagement with her. A heartbroken Kishori dies by suicide.

Fully aware that he could succumb to a persuasive Viraaj’s charms, Mulji keeps her at arm’s length. Khan’s strong portrayal reflects Mulji’s courage and unwavering commitment to social justice.

The power of journalism

One of the film’s significant themes is the power of journalism to reach and influence the masses. Through his newspaper Satyaprakash , Mulji disseminates his reformist ideas and challenges the status quo. The film underscores the role of the press as a vehicle for social change, as Mulji and his colleagues push forth with their bold editorial choices despite the personal risks involved.

A formidable antagonist, a strong supporting cast

Jaideep Ahlawat as the antagonist JJ delivers a formidable performance. He portrays a blatantly narcissistic godman, amassing wealth and preying on young women, convinced he will emerge unscathed due to his influence and reputation. Ahlawat’s JJ is a strong and complex antagonist to Khan’s idealistic Mulji. Sharvari Wagh and Shalini Pandey give strong performances that enhance the film’s dramatic tension.

Director Siddharth P. Malhotra’s meticulous attention to historical detail and character development is evident in the costumes, grand balconies, large iron-studded gates of the havelis , and colorful celebrations. Maharaj is both educational and entertaining, with gripping courtroom scenes that showcase the clash of ideologies and legal maneuvers of the period.

Parsi support and the British legal system

The film also highlights the support Mulji received from prominent figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, a key member of the Parsi community. Naoroji, known for advocating social reforms and education, encouraged Mulji to launch his newspaper to amplify his voice. This support provided Mulji with a platform and underscored the solidarity among reformists across different communities in their quest for social justice.

The film highlights the British colonial legal system’s role in arbitrating internal conflicts in Indian society, shedding light on the broader implications of Western legal principles on indigenous practices. The themes of Maharaj resonate deeply with contemporary audiences, exploring issues of social justice, the power dynamics within religious institutions, and the courage required to challenge entrenched norms. The film does an exceptional job of presenting the complexities of the time, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Maharaj , a joint venture between Netflix and Yash Raj Films is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas, legal battles, and stories of social reform. The message that resonated with me was: It is not enough to expose social injustice; we must go a step further and rehabilitate the victims .

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