In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shalini said she knew the sentiments around it and personally felt that they didn’t do anything to disrespect any religion or anyone. She feels that there was nothing like that in the film.

She continued, ''Moreover, after watching it, people who know me have been telling me that we thought there would be something bigger because of which people were reacting that way, but there was nothing as such. People were assuming, I feel. They assumed a lot and made a bigger picture in their heads, which was not in the film''.

The 'Arjun Reddy' actress is happy that the film is finally out. She added, ''Of course, we did not feel good about it [the stay] then. The film is everyone’s baby and when you work on a project, you wish it sees the light of the day''. Shalini also said that director Siddharth Malhotra was ''extremely worried and anxious'' and she would have felt really bad if the film would have gotten shelved. ''But, beyond a point I couldn’t do anything,'' she said.

Shalini also said that she is happy with the response 'Maharaj' is receiving. She further said, “There are mixed emotions, but overall we are getting a good response. When you work on something, you want people to see it and am glad that it is happening''.