In recent times, many big-budget films are struggling to recoup their investments, whereas low-budget films with compelling content are thriving in cinemas. This year, a Tamil film starring Vijay Sethupathi, titled "Maharaja," was released with minimal promotion, marketed primarily as Sethupathi’s 50th film. Despite its modest budget of Rs 20 crore, "Maharaja" grossed an impressive Rs 107 crore at the box office. The film has been declared a hit and is the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024.
Following its successful theatrical run, "Maharaja" started streaming on Netflix, where it swiftly claimed the top spot in the platform’s trending list. The film, featuring Anurag Kashyap as a formidable villain, tells the story of a devoted father, played by Sethupathi, who will go to any lengths to protect or please his daughter. Packed with numerous twists and turns, the movie keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, culminating in a shocking climax.
The plot revolves around a man named Maharaja, who owns a salon and lives with his only daughter after his wife’s death. The story begins with Maharaja reporting the theft of his house’s dustbin, affectionately named Lakshmi, to the police. Initially dismissed by the police, they eventually uncover his true intentions, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.
"Maharaja," written and directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, began streaming on Netflix on July 12, quickly ascending to the top 10 trending list in India. However, post-release, director Swaminathan faced plagiarism accusations from producer Maruthamuthu, who alleged that the film’s story was stolen from him. Maruthamuthu claimed that small producers like himself are often marginalized in the industry and demanded justice.