The film is strictly passable: its very specific time and place and lead character is buried under trademark Yashrajification.

Coming as this film does from the Hindi industry that has by and large been genuflecting before the government and all right-wing forces in the past decade, it is impossible to look away from its courage.

If made well, Maharaj would’ve been an arresting and impactful watch. Alas, there is hardly anything impactful about this movie and you’d find yourself laughing during intense or serious moments more often than not.

On the whole, Maharaj deserves a watch for bringing out the sensitive part of Indian history and the heroic mindset of Karsandas Mulji.