Maharaj Actress Priyal Gor On Controversies Before Its Release: 'There Was Fear And Uncertainty' | Exclusive

Junaid Khan’s Maharaj was finally released last month despite backlash from a section of people who claimed that it would hurt Hindu sentiments. Before its release, the film faced a setback when the Gujarat High Court intervened due to concerns raised by members of the Vaishnavite Pustimargi sect over its portrayal of their religious beliefs. Even though a stay was imposed on the film’s release, it was later lifted after the court concluded that the film was not specifically intended to target the sect, contrary to the allegations.

In a recent conversation with News18 Showsha, Priyal Gor, who also played the role of Leelavati in the film, a victim of rape by a godman, opened up about the controversies that the movie faced and shared that protest culture has become common in recent years. She admitted that even though it bothered her, she was confident that the film would be released soon.

“Controversies are not uncommon for movies like these. If filmmakers have created a huge setup and made a project like this, obviously they have thought about it. Although there was a bit of fear and uncertainty due to the timing, I had confidence that the movie would eventually be released,” she told us.

“Definitely, social media has made it easier for people to express their opinions and initiate boycott or protest trends. It’s unfortunate that some people have lots of time to engage in such activities,” the actress added.

Priyal is known for television shows like Ram Milaye Jodi, Ichhapyaari Naagin and Dekha Ek Khwaab among others. Asked how she got on board for Junaid Khan’s film, the 29-year-old actress revealed that Maharaj’s director was the producer of one of her previous shows.

“I actually got lucky with this project. The director of this movie, coincidentally, was the producer for a previous project I was involved in. During the uncertain times of lockdown, I had reached out to him, expressing my interest in future projects. He later called me and offered the role of Leelavati in Maharaja. Since it was a small role, he wasn’t sure if I would be okay in doing it. But considering the project, I really wanted to be a part of it,” she said.