Director Siddharth P Malhotrani, who directed films like 'We Are Family' and 'Hichki' The film 'Maharaj' has been streamed on OTT platform Netflix. Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan has debuted with this film. This film was in many controversies even before its release. While talking to Dainik Bhaskar, Siddharth said that without knowing, people called the film anti-religious. When this film shows humanity.

Let us know Siddharth P. What else did Malhotra say during the question-answer session in this special interview?

How do you feel about the kind of response 'Maharaj' is getting from the audience?
I feel very light. The journey of this film is very long. When we tell stories, we try to convey a message while also entertaining. We do not make films for any controversy. Made with full enthusiasm and heart.
The time taken to make the film was nothing. But the ups and downs that follow should not happen to anyone else. This film has been released without launching teaser and trailer.

Was there any promotion of the film at the time of release?
People used to talk about nepotism that Aamir Khan will promote the film. So I have cast his son Junaid in the film, but Aamir came to promote the film. No. Yash Raj and Netflix also did not promote the film.

The film came on OTT platform, we also felt that our film has arrived. We have worked hard with our team for this film. Which is visible through the film. This is our biggest victory.

What do you consider to be the reason for not promoting this film?
'All preparations have also been made for the promotion of this film. A marketing plan of 40 pages was made. Cannot complete even one page. When the poster of the film came out, there was an uproar over it. Even without seeing the film, people Agreed that this film is against religion. When we started writing the film, we thought that we would not make this film against religion. But we will make it in the interest of religion and humanity.

'This film is not about religion but about journalist Karsandas Mulji. Who was a social reformer against the practice of Sati, widow remarriage and many other things.

Have people's attitudes towards films changed today?
'People are saying that this film is in the interest of religion. You have made a very good film. What was going on in people's minds before watching the film? It was not under my control. After watching the film, people understood that it did not play with anyone's emotions, I believe that. Everyone has the right to protect their religion.

What other challenges came before the poster controversy?
'This film was completed only in 2021. We had applied for censor. Some censors and some came to cut the scene on the suggestion of Aditya Chopra. In this way we had to cut 45 minutes of scenes from the film. This film was made eligible to get UA certificate. After Covid, we thought it would be better to bring it only on OTT.

If this film had been released on the big screen, would it have got more love from the audience?
'Probably meet. But that is not in my hands. Being a director I feel that producers should be happy. Aditya Chopra trusted me for this film. He believed in me even in hiccups. If Aditya felt that it was appropriate to release it on OTT, then he took the decision after careful consideration. hs.'

Didn't you feel like this while making this film? Could it be a little dangerous to work on it?
'This film is based on the real story of a journalist. I was not seeing this as a religious fight. A book has also been published in this regard. There is a story on the internet. There is also a Gujarati play on this. This is taught in schools and colleges, till now there has been no controversy on this subject, so this is my It was not in my mind at all.

What did you find most beautiful in the script of the film?
'Both my films 'We Are Family' and 'Hichki' are made in the interest of women. I always feel that women are more powerful and intelligent than men. I have great respect for women. The story of 'Maharaj' is about a person named Karsandas Mulji, who fights for the welfare of women. I saw a hero's journey in him. I liked this thing.

Had you considered Junaid Khan for the role of Karsandas Malji?
At that time I did not know whether Junaid would do this film or not. Because he is Aamir Khan's son. This film is not a romantic film. Due to which Star Kids has been launched. I had seen the audition of 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. I knew Junaid.
'For this film, I wanted not a star but a newcomer. Yash Raj has the power to launch a newcomer. After discussing with Aditya Chopra, I handed over the story to Aamir sir and Junaid. He asked for one day's time and Junaid agreed to work in the film.

'Junaide diligently read the script with us for a year. I was looking for an actor like Irrfan Khan for the role of Jejana in the film. Jaideep Ahlawat is the only actor who could play this character. He has worked very hard for this film.

When you first took this script to Aditya Chopra, what was his reaction? hot?
'Aditya liked the script very much. He suggested making some minor changes. I told them that we will shoot it on real locations and make it on a small budget. But he said that it should be made big by installing sets like Bhansali's films. Aditya Chopra is the only producer who can trust the director like this.