Naseeruddin Shah, a critically acclaimed actor has bagged the lead role in "Maharathi". The film is an adaptation of a highly popular Gujarati play starring Paresh Rawal. The play was first staged in 1987 and was run 700 times all over.

However the role was offered to Big B, he refused to do it due to some strong reasons he believed in. But Paresh Rawal who is very passionate about the film could think of no body else but Naseer for the role as it required cinematic maturity as well as experience.

Although, this is not the first time that Big B has turned down such an offer. He had opted out of the role of a Scotland Yard Police Officer employed to find a serial bomber in Jagmohan Mundhra's 'Shoot On Sight' as it was too controversial.

Paresh Rawal is playing the same character as he had played in the play. When asked, why he had not opted for direction, Paresh replied that theatre ran in his blood and he could not bring about the cinematic excellence which the play demands. Paresh getting nostalgic declared that it had taken him two years to stage the play finally in 1987, the script met the same fate as he waited three years with the script for a producer.

The film is being produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. Paresh who strongly believes in the story has roped in excellent cast, OmPuri and Boman Irani to name a few. As Paresh said, ” It’s a healthy commercial film .I'm sick of doing the unhealthy kind .I enjoy doing a film that takes me back to my roots and to work with the people I wanted to work with.” Paresh hopes to repeat the success of the play.