While popcorn films are the go-to choice for Bollywood fans, there are plenty of poignant offerings worth watching as well.
I recently came across “Maharaj” on Netflix. It’s a period drama, based on the real-life events around the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. Saurabh Shah also released a novel of the same name in 2013.
The movie opens with an introduction to Karsandas “Karsan” Mulji (played by Aamir Khan’s son Junaid). Born to loving parents, his curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking make him stand out in the community.
When his mother passes away, he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Bombay.
The story then shifts to him as a handsome young man and powerful wordsmith ready to start his life by marrying Kishori (Shalini Pandey).
But during the Holi celebration, Maharaj Jadunath Brijratan (Jaideep Ahlawat), aka JJ, spots Kishori and chooses her to perform the charan seva for him.
However, there is nothing honourable about this. It is basically, JJ deflowering the chosen one ahead of her marriage. And devotees pay to watch it.
In the devout Vaishnav community, this practice is widely accepted by the community. Families feel honoured when a daughter is chosen and sent to the temple.
When Karsan gets wind of what is happening, he tries to put a stop to it. His efforts are futile, though. Kishori is as brainwashed as the other devotees and she stands her ground.
Enraged by the situation, Karsan calls off the engagement, much to the ironic disapproval of his aunt and uncle as it is viewed as dishonourable.
As such, Karsan finds himself thrown out of the house.
With the encouragement of his mentor and close friends, Karsan, after Kishori repents for her mistake by taking her own life, sets out to expose the wrongdoings of JJ and the haveli.
His efforts are stymied by JJ, who has his guys burn all the papers containing the damning story before they are distributed.
Karsan is tenacious in his objective and not even JJ’s legal threat can stop him in this unprecedented David and Goliath-esque court battle.
Firstly, Junaid proves that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with his compelling performance. Ahlawat makes for a formidable villain as well. He delivers the arrogance and manipulative nature of his character with aplomb.
The script is brilliantly written as it exposes the corruption within a powerful religious sect. The fight for justice is laden with challenges for the protagonist but his approach and never-give-up attitude is inspiring.
Do yourself a favour and check out this movie.
∎ “Maharaj” is streaming on Netflix.