Maharaj director thanks court for allowing the release of the Junaid Khan starrer, asks viewers to give it a ‘fair chance’

Siddharth P Malhotra has voiced his hope that audiences will watch Maharaj with an open mind. He believes that over time, as more people view the film, even those with preconceived notions will come to understand its true nature.

Aamir Khan's firstborn, Junaid Khan, has become the talk of the town with his entry into the acting world through the Netflix film Maharaj. Helmed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the film features notable performances from Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari, and Shalini Pandey. However, the release of Maharaj was not without its challenges, as it faced significant backlash from certain groups who feared the film might offend religious beliefs.

In response to the controversy, Junaid and Siddharth have publicly addressed the situation, expressing their appreciation for the legal system that facilitated the film's release. Junaid Khan recounted the tension every crew member was going through during the trial.

“When it’s in court, you don’t know where it’s going to go. It’s literally a courtroom drama unfolding in front of you,” he said.

Siddharth P Malhotra revealed that the crew was watching the trial live on YouTube. He further said, “Natmastak pranam to the judiciary for them to see it and judge it for what it is and what our intent was. Because in those arguments you can go anywhere. I am really thankful to the judiciary that they allowed the film to come out and say that there’s nothing offensive in it.”

Siddharth P Malhotra has voiced his hope that audiences will watch Maharaj with an open mind. He believes that over time, as more people view the film, even those with preconceived notions will come to understand its true nature. Malhotra is confident that feedback will shift positively as viewers are encouraged to see the film for what it truly is, rather than relying on second-hand judgments or initial criticisms.

“What I am really hoping is that people give it a fair chance because the film has been made with a lot of love, there’s a six-minute end credit in the film, watch not for me but for the sake of those people, a lot of money and emotions have also been put. Watch the film, and give it love only if you like it, if you don’t like it, fair enough. Feedback is taken but give it a chance,” Siddharth said.