Nikhil Advani to produce Marathi biopic on Tilak

It would be directed by debutant Om Raut. "'Lokmanya' aspires to bring to the foreground one of our nation's greatest leaders whose teachings and ways make for relevant inspiration even today. This is what appealed to me most," Advani said in a statement here.

"For us as a company, we believe bringing Marathi cinema closer into the fold of Bollywood will only create better value for us as an industry and of course for our audiences," said Advani, who would be producing his first Marathi film.

The film has received "direct validation" from Deepak Tilak, the great grandson of Lokmanya Tilak, the statement said. The shooting will start from May 15.

The film will have well-known Marathi actor Subodh Bhave in the title role. Shankar Ehsaan Loy would be composing the music.