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Junaid Khan, is making headlines with his acting debut in the recently released OTT film ‘Maharaj.’ Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the movie also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari, and Shalini Pandey. However, the film had faced controversy, with some people alleging that it might hurt religious sentiments. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Junaid Khan and director Siddharth P Malhotra revealed the controversy surrounding ‘Maharaj’ and expressed their gratitude to the judiciary system for allowing the film release.
Debutant actor admitted that the entire crew was on edge while the matter was being heard in court. “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,” the filmmaker said.
Siddharth said that the ‘Maharaj’ team watched the court proceedings 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 expressed his hope that people will see the movie for what it truly is. He feels that as more people watch ‘Maharaj’ over time, even those with preconceived judgments or influenced by others saying ‘ye waisi film nahi hai aap dekh lo’ the feedback for the film will gradually change and evolve.
“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 stated.
Debutant actor admitted that the entire crew was on edge while the matter was being heard in court. “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,” the filmmaker said.
Siddharth said that the ‘Maharaj’ team watched the court proceedings 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 expressed his hope that people will see the movie for what it truly is. He feels that as more people watch ‘Maharaj’ over time, even those with preconceived judgments or influenced by others saying ‘ye waisi film nahi hai aap dekh lo’ the feedback for the film will gradually change and evolve.
“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 stated.
‘Ban Maharaj’: Controversy surrounds Junaid Khan’s debut film as Gujarat High Court halts release
