Maharaj is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language historical drama film directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by YRF Entertainment.

[7] Karsan is a progressive thinker and social reformer in pre-independent Bombay, living with his maternal uncle and aunt after the death of his mother.

He is engaged to be married to Kishori, a devout believer of Maharaj "JJ", the leader of the "haveli" that is their holy place.

Before he can speak to her, he finds out that Kishori has taken her own life as a result of the mistake she made, and her final wish was for Karsan to reveal JJ's truth to the world.

Among the ruins of the press, Viraaj confesses to Karsan that she too was sent to JJ for "charan seva" as a child, where she fled when she realized that whatever was happening was wrong.

[8] A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Maharaj makes an important comment.

"[9] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated this film 2 stars out of 5 and said, "For all the elements that work in Maharaj, there is a whole bunch of others that don't.

"[11] Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated this film 2 stars out of 5 and observes that "Maharaj's mediocre social drama lacks the spine and spunk to recreate the relevance of revolutionary decisions in the face of religious fanaticism".

[12] Sana Farzeen of India Today gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Junaid Khan, as a first-timer, looks confident and at ease on screen.

[14] Renuka Vyavahare The Times of India rated 2.5 stars out of 5 and stated "Based on a true story, unlike the impression given, the film isn’t a courtroom thriller.

[15] Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu observes that "If not for the touchiness of our times, a film as simple, sedate and self-congratulatory like 'Maharaj' would likely slip under the radar".

The makers are equally unable to depict the sensitivity of religious feeling or the monumentality of Karsan’s decision to take on a powerful sect.

This decision was in response to a petition by members of the Pushtimarg sect, who argued that the film, based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, contained content that could incite violence and offend religious sentiments.