New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) Making "Water" was sailing against the tide for critically acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta, who is overjoyed as her Oscar nominated movie is set to hit Indian theatres in March.

"I came here this morning and leaving for Canada tomorrow. The release of 'Water' is so special for me that I have come especially for it. I am thrilled that the film will be seen by Indian audiences and I thank B.R. films to make it possible," said Mehta at a press conference here Thursday.

Seema Biswas and John Abraham, who play important roles in the film, were also present there along with Ravi Chopra, whose production and distribution company is releasing the film.

About other two actors, Lisa Ray and child artiste Sarla, Mehta said: "I wish Lisa and Sarala were here. Sarala is in school right now and Lisa is in Hollywood."

"Seema and I still can't believe that Deepa is sitting here now. She's come all the way from Toronto. The best support all of us have is that Deepa is with us here today," said Abraham who requested Chopra to watch the movie while he was shooting for "Baabul".

Chopra was so impressed with the movie that he instantly decided to distribute the film.

Mehta's first attempts to make the film in Varanasi in 1999 sparked protests by Hindu radicals and she had to shelve the project. She took it up four years later and filmed in Sri Lanka with major changes in the cast - with Shabana Azmi making way for Biswas and Nandita Das being replaced by Lisa.

"Water" focuses on the relationship between a widow seeking to escape stifling social restrictions and a man from a lower caste who is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.