Maharaj on Netflix is the debut film of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan but what makes it even more special is that it’s based on one of the biggest trials in the history of the Indian judiciary. The film has been in production for a long time and is about to be released on Netflix on 14 June 2024, without much promotion. Still, the film can become an underrated success because of an intriguing plot line that has its roots in the untold chapters of Indian legal history. Let us explore the true story of Maharaj.
Is Maharaj on Netflix based on a true story?
Yes, Maharaj on Netflix is based on the real-life events that took place in the Maharaj Libel case that took place in 1862. The case started when a religious leader called Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj (Jaideep Ahlawat’s character) filed a case of libel against Karsandas Mulji (Junaid Khan’s character) after Karsandas wrote an article titled “ ‘The True/Original Religion of the Hindus and the Present Hypocritical/phony Opinions” ( originally “Hinduo No Asli Dharam Ane Atyar Na Pakhandi Mato”) in his newspaper Satyaprakash. The article accused Maharaj of being a sexual offender and blamed him for sexual offences against his women followers. The accusations also included him asking his male followers to offer their wives to the Maharaj to prove their devotion to him.
After important testimonies, including the one from where he went on to testify having treated Jadunathji for syphilis, the case ended with Karsandas Mulji claiming victory. The Judge noted, – “a public journalist is a public teacher: the true function of the press, that by virtue of which it has rightly grown to be one of the great powers of the modern world—is the function of teaching, elevating and enlightening those who fall within the range of its influence” . The case is one of the most important judgements in the history of judiciary and earned Karsandas the honor of being called, ‘Indian Luther’, referring to his contributions towards reforms equivalent to that of Martin Luther King Jr.
While the movie is based on a real story, we would like to clarify that no movie is ever a real representation of facts. This film too can be expected to have events and characters who have been added for the convenience of dramatic storytelling.
Is Maharaj on Netflix against Hinduism?
It will be harsh to call Maharaj on Netflix anti-Hindu or against Hinduism. Maharaj on Netflix questions the practice of a sexual orgies as a way to salvation. The Hindu Vaishnavite saint Jadunathji used to extract sexual favors from his disciples. The case on which this film is based brought significant reforms in the practice of Hinduism and was overall beneficial for the upliftment of Hindus. So politics aside, the film is a just a creative presentation of facts and should not be seen from a political standpoint.
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