Siddharth P. Malhotra Credits Aditya Chopra for Emotional Support During 'Maharaj'; Reveals Painful Journey Behind Film’s Release
Filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra, best known for his emotional storytelling and directorial depth, has opened up about the emotional and professional rollercoaster he endured during the making of the 2024 historical thriller "Maharaj." In an exclusive interview with IANS, Malhotra revealed the critical support he received from producer Aditya Chopra, the mentorship that kept him afloat, and the heartbreak behind the film’s unconventional release.
"I’m Proud of You" – The Words That Kept Him Going
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on many industries, but for filmmakers like Siddharth P. Malhotra, it brought production halts, personal stress, and professional uncertainty. Speaking candidly, Malhotra said there were times he nearly gave up—but it was the unshakable support from his family and the encouragement from Aditya Chopra that gave him strength.
“There were moments when I felt hopeless, especially during the two years of Covid. But your family keeps you going—my parents, my wife, my kids, even my dog Simba. Junaid [Khan] is like a son to me. We leaned on each other,” he shared.
Recalling an unforgettable moment, Siddharth added, “When Aditya Chopra, my mentor and the reason I produced this film, watched it, he sent me a letter saying, ‘I’m proud of you.’ That was my first real reward.”
The Silent Launch of a Passion Project
"Maharaj" marked the debut of Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari. Based on the landmark 1862 Maharaj Libel Case and adapted from Saurabh Shah’s novel, the film was released on Netflix on June 21, 2024. Despite its rich historical narrative and strong performances, the film's release was subdued—lacking any traditional promotional fanfare.
Malhotra disclosed, “The entire film had a marketing plan. We had a full 21–22-day promotional strategy laid out. But none of it happened—no interviews, no media push from Aamir sir, Netflix, or YRF.”
Calling the situation “heartbreaking,” Malhotra clarified that the decision to forgo traditional marketing was not his. “It was not by choice. Still, I stood by the team’s decision. We believed in the film,” he said.
Emotional Struggles Behind the Scenes
The years leading up to the release were fraught with emotional turmoil. Malhotra admitted facing severe moments of doubt. “You do lose hope sometimes. But then your family, friends, and team hold your hand and remind you why you started,” he said.
The filmmaker noted how Aditya Chopra's praise for the final cut kept him optimistic. “He told me again after seeing the final cut that I had made a large-scale, powerful film, and that it would elevate me as a director.”
Netflix Believed in 'Maharaj'
Despite the lack of promotional noise, Netflix reportedly had immense faith in the project. “Netflix also loved the film Maharaj. So, I knew we had something strong. I’m thankful that it finally reached people—and to those who haven’t seen it yet, I say: please watch it,” Malhotra urged.
A Historical Tale with Contemporary Relevance
"Maharaj" sheds light on the 1862 libel case that challenged the misuse of religious authority in colonial India. Its bold storytelling and historical relevance were praised by critics, though its release was mired in legal and social controversy—facing petitions that questioned its portrayal of sensitive religious issues.
Yet, the film managed to secure a release and find an audience on streaming platforms, thanks to the resilience of its creators and the support of backers like Aditya Chopra.
The Road Ahead
Siddharth P. Malhotra’s account is not just a behind-the-scenes look at a film’s making, but a deeply human story about the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and staying true to one’s vision even when the road gets bumpy.
While Maharaj may not have received the glitzy red-carpet rollout typical of Bollywood biggies, it stands as a testament to storytelling grounded in conviction. As the film finds viewers online, its journey to the screen—marked by emotional struggle, brotherhood, and trust—tells a story as powerful as the movie itself.
Reader Takeaway:
Siddharth P. Malhotra’s journey with “Maharaj” offers a look into the human side of filmmaking—the battles behind the camera, the silent champions, and the importance of emotional anchors like Aditya Chopra. As “Maharaj” continues to find new viewers, its release story serves as a reminder that resilience and integrity are often the unsung heroes of cinema.