Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, has made his acting debut in the Netflix film ‘Maharaj.’ The film, based on the life of journalist Karsan Das Mulji, tells the story of a man who bravely stood up against injustice using the power of his pen. ‘Maharaj’ follows the narrative of a journalist who challenged religious leaders and their practices, sparking controversy and opposition. The film, directed by Karan P Malhotra, features a strong cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, Sharvari Wagh, and Jay Upadhyay, alongside Junaid Khan.
The film faced legal challenges and protests due to its content, with members of a Hindu outfit moving a petition in court to halt its release, claiming it hurt religious sentiments. Boycott calls on social media further fueled the controversy, leading to a temporary suspension of the film’s release. However, the Gujarat High Court, after viewing the film, ruled that it did not contain anything objectionable that would hurt religious feelings and lifted the suspension on June 21.
Yash Raj Films (YRF), the production house behind the film, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for allowing the release of ‘Maharaj,’ stating that the film celebrates one of the most important social reformers of India, Karsandas Mulji. The film, inspired by Saurabh Shah’s 2013 Gujarati novel, dramatizes the significant ‘1862 Maharaj Libel Case,’ highlighting the clash between religious conservatism and progressive reform in colonial India.
Despite the controversies, ‘Maharaj’ has been met with positive reviews. Filmfare awarded the Netflix film a 3.5 rating out of 5, praising its compelling story and strong performances. Actor Devesh Sharma described the film as a “stellar launchpad for Junaid Khan,” highlighting the film’s combination of strong performances, a compelling story, and proficient direction.
Netizens have been enthusiastic in their reactions to the film, particularly commending Junaid Khan’s performance. Many users expressed admiration for his acting, drawing comparisons to his father, Aamir Khan, and noting his potential as a promising actor. The film’s release on Netflix after a week-long delay has sparked a wave of discussions and reviews, with many praising the debut performance of Junaid Khan and the film’s overall impact.
