If you haven't seen Maharaja yet, you're definitely missing out on what many netizens now refer to as one of Netflix's best movies of all time.
The latest Bollywood sensation, directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, has steadily climbed the streaming platform's top movies with its intricate narrative and profound symbolism. Originally released in June 2024 in India, the film has garnered massive international box office success, breaching the Rs 100 crores mark (approximately P696 million) in only 19 days. With a compelling storyline that has no shortage of plot twists—and not to mention the standout performances by Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap, Maharaja delves deep into themes of betrayal, vengeance, and moral ambiguity.
Maharaja: A Short Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Maharaja follows the harrowing journey of a barber portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi who embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice after his home is burglarized. Reporting the theft, he cryptically informs the police that his "lakshmi," a cherished dustbin, has been stolen. This report baffles the authorities, who struggle to understand the significance of the stolen item. As the barber's quest to recover his missing dustbin unfolds, a dark and intricate web of deception and betrayal is revealed.
The Symbolism of the Snake in the Movie "Maharaja"
Snakes often represent deceit, danger, and transformation, and in the Bollywood movie Maharaja, the snake is a recurring and powerful symbol. It embodies the poisonous and deceptive nature of certain characters, particularly Selvam (Anurag Kashyap) and Nallasivam (played by Singampuli).
The film features two key scenes where a snake makes its appearance, and as decoded by experts and online sleuths, these weren't merely random visual decisions by the writers and the director but are actually meaningful metaphors that make for brilliant storytelling.
Below, we dissect the snake's hidden meaning that you might've missed.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
The Snake at the Police Station
When Maharaja files a false robbery report at the police station, a commotion causes an old pot to shatter, revealing a snake inside. This moment signifies the hidden corruption within the police force and Nallasivam's complicity—a corrupt police officer who betrays those he is supposed to protect.
The Snake in Maharaja's Home
Another poignant explanation from a Reddit user highlights how Selvam's character is closely tied to the snake symbolism.
When the snake first slithers into Maharaja's house on the night Jothi is hospitalized, it's parallel to how Selvam not only invades the physical space but also creates the conditions for his daughter's assault by Nallasivam. He is depicted as a father who fails to recognize his own offspring, leading to tragic consequences. This mirrors a snake that cannot recognize its own eggs and ends up consuming them. Selvam's actions—or lack thereof—show his inability to protect his daughter, Jothi, from the terrible harm of his own doing.
Maharaja is streaming on Netflix.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
