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Maharaj

Maharaj is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language historical drama film directed by Siddharth P.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maharaj is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language historical drama film directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by YRF Entertainment, starring Junaid Khan in his film debut. It was released on Netflix on 21 June 2024 and is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 and Saurabh Shah's novel.

Plot

The story follows Karsan, a progressive journalist and reformer in pre-independence Bombay, as he investigates allegations against a powerful religious leader known as Maharaj or JJ. The conflict develops into a legal and moral battle over truth, power, and reform.

Production and release

Maharaj was directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by YRF Entertainment. It premiered on Netflix on 21 June 2024 after being made as a Hindi-language historical drama.

Historical basis

The film draws on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, a landmark defamation case in Bombay, and adapts material from Saurabh Shah's novel about the case. Its narrative uses this historical event as the basis for its fictionalised drama.

Reception

Coverage and review summaries describe Maharaj as a socially minded historical drama about blind faith, reform, and abuse of power. Review outlets have noted the performances and its serious, issue-driven storytelling.

Key facts

  • Based on the real Maharaj Libel Case of 1862
  • Junaid Khan made his lead film debut with this movie
  • Released directly on Netflix on 21 June 2024
  • Set in 19th-century Bombay and centres on a journalist challenging a religious leader
  • Rotten Tomatoes describes the premise as a bold journalist questioning a revered leader's immoral behavior
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers may know Maharaj through Netflix, where the film was released for streaming in Canada as well as other markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is Maharaj about?
It follows a journalist and reformer in 19th-century Bombay who challenges a powerful religious leader over alleged immoral conduct, leading to a major legal and social conflict.
Who directed Maharaj?
Maharaj was directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra.
Is Maharaj based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 and on Saurabh Shah's novel about that case.
Where to watch Maharaj?
It was released for streaming on Netflix.
Maharaj movie review
Reviews generally describe it as a bold, issue-driven historical drama with strong performances, especially in its treatment of reform, blind faith, and power.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaj_(film)
    Supports: Director, release date, cast, streaming release, and historical basis.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501268/
    Supports: Plot summary and historical premise.
  3. IndiaForums — https://www.indiaforums.com/article/review-maharaj-is-a-bold-and-wellintended-story-bought-to-life-by-junaid-sharvari-and-jaideeps-stron_208337
    Supports: Plot overview and review framing.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/maharaj
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, director, and review/reception context.