The film Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi is currently available on Netflix and has received much praise for its compelling story and performances. However, in a recent interview, director Nithilan Swaminathan revealed an interesting fact: Vijay Sethupathi was not the original choice for the lead role. The director initially planned to cast Shanthanu Bhagyaraj known for his work in Master.
Speaking in an interview, Nithilan Swaminathan discussed the early stages of making Maharaja. He shared, “I approached several producers and actors with the script. Many of them appreciated the story, and Shanthanu Bhagyaraj was particularly interested and well-suited for the role.”
Despite Shanthanu’s enthusiasm for the project, the film faced production delays. Shanthanu even tried to get various producers on board, but things didn’t work out. Swaminathan eventually had to put the project on hold. He explained, “Since the film was getting delayed I decided to work on another script, which eventually became Kurangu Bommai.”
The director also mentioned that the core idea of the story he initially envisioned with Shanthanu was later reworked into what we now see in Maharaja. The film has made a significant impact in Tamil cinema, drawing attention for its unique screenplay and powerful performances.
Maharaja follows the story of a barber, played by Vijay Sethupathi, who is a single father raising his daughter. The plot centers around their deep attachment to a steel garbage bin named Lakshmi, which once saved the daughter’s life. Their lives are turned upside down when the bin goes missing during a robbery at their home. As the father seeks help from the police to retrieve the bin, he uncovers secrets that change everything.
The movie also stars notable actors like Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Natarajan Subramaniam, Abhirami Gopikumar, Singampuli, Aruldoss, and Munishkanth in key roles. Their performances add depth to the film, enhancing its overall impact.
Following the success of Maharaja, there are rumors that Nithilan Swaminathan might collaborate with actress Nayanthara for his next film. However, there has been no official confirmation about this project yet.
