Most storytellers seek inspiration from Hollywood films. But very few film-makers look at what our auteur have to offer. MAHARATHI is the cinematic adaptation of Uttam Gada's Gujarati play, which was a huge success two decades ago. Another reason that enhances the curiosity is the fact that it brings four of the finest talents of the Hindi film industry together. Subhash [Paresh Rawal] has spent the last ten years unsuccessfully trying to get acting parts in films. One night, he saves a man's life. He accompanies the injured man back home. Subhash is awe-struck at the affluence of Mr. Adenwalla [Naseeruddin Shah]. Subhash realizes this may lead to a generous tip.
Subhash is now firmly ensconced in Adenwallas' house and discovers his wife's evil designs. On the other hand, Adenwalla, driven to the point of insanity by his money-hungry wife, decides to take the ultimate revenge. He commits suicide!
Subhash recognizes this as an opportunity to rid himself of a lifetime of middle class mediocrity and poverty. He collaborates with Mallika to acquire all the money and property. Working hand in glove, they get a caretaker [Tara Sharma], with the help of their family lawyer Mr. Merchant [Boman Irani], to be a witness to an ailing Mr. Adenwalla's presence in the house.
But the best plans can go awry and this brings ACP Gokhale [Om Puri] and Inspector Borkar [Vivek Shauq] into the picture.
The problem with MAHARATHI is its inconsistent script. To start with, there should've been a valid reason for Naseer to commit suicide. In the first place, if he had to teach Neha a lesson, why should he shoot himself? Why not shoot Neha instead? Much later, even Neha's death looks unbelievable. Another pertinent question that crosses your mind is, why does Naseer bequeath his riches to Paresh? In fact, he barely knows Paresh. The Boman track in the end is quite confusing as well.
On the brighter side, MAHARATHI has several well-executed sequences and that's why the deficiencies in the script bother you. It could've been an engaging experience, which it isn't.
With a crème de la crème cast on hand, it's natural to expect sparkling performances from the cast. Naseeruddin Shah is convincing. Paresh Rawal scores yet again. Boman Irani is in form. Om Puri deserved a meatier role. Neha Dhupia is okay. Tara Sharma is fair. Vivek Shauq is hardly there.
On the whole, MAHARATHI has some curiosity-value thanks to its interesting cast and an equally inviting promotion. But the film lacks the power of an arresting script. That, in turn, will make the journey tough for the film.
Highlighting the kind of research Banerjee has done for the film, he says, "Unlike, Khosla Ka Ghosla which was for middle class, this film demanded me to know the mind of criminals, their relationship with elites, police and other criminals and the way police treats them."
Without revealing much about the character of Paresh Rawal in the film, Banerjee says, "Paresh Rawal is doing a triple role with the two characters namely Dr. Brijkishore Handa and Googie Arror and third name if taken will give out the entire storyline of the film which I don't want to do. But he is doing something which he has never done before." And what does Abhay do in the film? "Abhay plays an extremely handsome, charismatic and very talented thief leading a luxurious life. Someone who is very stylish and has lots of girlfriends and is usually spotted in five stars hotels," states 
Talking about the costumes chosen for different characters in the film he informs, "Since, my film is set in Delhi; we would go out on the streets of Delhi to study various characters because I am very particular about the kind of reality I depict in the film. Like the kind of research done was very crucial in the case of Paresh Rawal's different characters in the film. He further adds, "Even in the case of Abhay's costumes which are very well designed as he starts a normal thief and then later climbs up the status graph and becomes a very rich and well known crook."
