Junaid Khan’s debut film was released on Netflix, and it became controversial after the poster release. Although the film is based on a real story, people are criticizing it, and it hurts the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The film is based on the Life of Karsandas Mulji and the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. The story is real, but the filmmakers may have used some creative liberties to enhance the film’s story.
Karsandas Mulji is an important figure. He was a pioneer in social reforms in 19th-century Gujarat. With his cultural reforms and social activism, he changed the way of thinking in Vaishnav Society.
Karsandas Mulji was born on 25 April 1832 in Vadnagar, Gujarat, and our current prime minister also mentioned him in their speech many times about his social reforms. He had a limited education in his village but then moved to Bombay where he met Dadabhai naoroji.
He started his journalism journey with the Anglo-Gujarati newspaper Rast Goftar and Stribodh magazines. Later, he started his paper, Satyaprakash, in 1856. As a journalist, he used the power of the written word to highlight social injustices and advocate for reforms.
He fought for social justice against powerful religious authorities, and he is known for the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. Despite intense pressure from society, Mulji stood his ground, and the case underscored the importance of freedom of expression and the role of the press in holding powerful figures accountable.
Mulji’s commitment to social justice directly conflicted with powerful religious authorities in the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. He published an article criticizing the immoral behavior of some religious leaders, specifically targeting the Maharajs of the Pushtimarg sect.
Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 and Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj (JJ in the film)
In the mid-1800s, a Hindu religious group was very powerful in Gujarat, and their leader was called Maharaj. These Maharajs were very powerful and respected. They have a huge influence on society and religion, and there were some accusations against this Maharaj of misconduct, as they were exploiting their followers, especially women. Jadunathji Brijratanjee Maharaj was one of them, and the case is all about him, The Potrayel of JJ is based on Jadunathjee Brijratanjee Maharaj played by Jaideep Ahlawat.
