"Maharaj" maker breaks silence on Junaid Khan's movie termed as 'anti Hindu': 'We create films with passion, not controversy'

Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, known for films like "We Are Family" and "Hichki," has released his latest project, "Maharaj," on Netflix. This film marks the debut of Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan. Before its release, "Maharaj" was mired in controversy. Critics labeled the film anti-religious without understanding its core message of humanity. In response to the feedback, Siddharth expressed relief, emphasizing that the film's journey had been lengthy and challenging. He stated, "When we tell a story, we try to deliver a message alongside entertainment. We do not make films for controversy; we create them with passion and heart." 

Despite accusations of nepotism and claims that Aamir Khan would promote the film to benefit his son, Siddharth clarified that neither Aamir Khan, Yash Raj Films, nor Netflix actively promoted the film. The director acknowledged the team's hard work and said that the launch of the movie and its use of the color saffron had been the team's greatest achievements.
The film, which centers on the story of journalist Karsandas Muljii, a social reformer who fought against casteism and advocated for widow remarriage, faced significant hurdles during its production. Siddharth revealed that despite the film being completed in 2021, 45 minutes of footage had to be removed in order to receive a UA certificate based on suggestions from Aditya Chopra and the censor board. The film, which was initially slated for a big-screen release, was instead released on the OTT platform due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Siddharth emphasized that "Maharaj" is not against religion but rather promotes religious interests and humanity. He expressed his belief that everyone has the right to protect their religion and hoped that viewers would understand the film's true intent after watching it. He stated, "This film is about journalist Karsandas Muljii, a social reformer. We made this film in the interest of religion and humanity, not against it."

Reflecting on the casting process, Siddharth revealed that he did not initially intend for Junaid Khan to play the lead role. He was looking for a newcomer and discussed the project with Aditya Chopra before presenting it to Aamir Khan and Junaid. After a day of consideration, Junaid agreed to take on the role, dedicating a year to studying the script. Siddharth praised Jaideep Ahlawat, who played the character of Kedarnath, for his hard work and dedication. 

Siddharth expressed his gratitude to Aditya Chopra for trusting him with the film and allowing him to shoot on a large scale. He concluded by stating that his previous films, "We Are Family" and "Hichki," were made in the interest of women, and he holds great respect for women's intelligence and strength. "Maharaj" continues this theme, telling the story of a man who fights for the welfare of women.