Aamir Khan was to first play the role of Charles Shobraj. He met Charles in Paris and discussed the film.Charles was happy with Aamir and wanted Aamir to play the role.But Aamir then got busy with other films and decided not do the film.
In 2002, a film once again was started on Charles Shobraj. Being produced and directed by Sohrab Irani, the film was titled "Bottomline -A Slap in The Face of Redemption".The role was now going to be played by Jackie Shroff. Jackie also shaved off his mustache for the role. Jackie Shroff, Sohrab Irani and his his daughter Oorvazi Irani all met Charles in London to discuss the film. Charles got along with Jackie Shroff and was happy with Sohrab's selection.
The film was eventually shelved for undisclosed reasons.
Directed Prawal Raman wrote a script titled " Jailbreak" and got producer Abhishek Pathak to produce it. Sanjay Dutt was roped in to play Charles Shobraj. The film's title was also changed to "Serpent Files". Sanjay Dutt was advised not to play another negative role and opted out of the film. Prawal then wanted Randeep Hooda for the film, but Abhishek Pathak ( son of Kumar Mangat) now wanted Saif Ali Khan or Emraan Hashmi. This did not sit well with Raman and thought it would be best to part ways from Abhishek Pathak and find another producer. Prawal Raman found another producer and changed the film' s title. The new producer allowed Raman to cast Randeep Hooda.
After Prawaal Raman and Abhishek Pathak parted ways, Prawaal' film was going to produced by Pooja Bhatt under her banner. The film' s new title was " BAD". Randeep was to star in the lead. But Pooja dropped the film as she felt the budget would be to high. This is when Raman found producer's Raju Chadha and Amit Kapoor.
A week after the films release Prawaal Raman announced another on Charles Shobhraj which will be fully based on his life story with Randeep Hooda retaining his character but the film will be shot in English and French language.