Ranveer Singh’s ‘Pralay’ shoot sparks chaos at Azad Maidan:Under-14 and 16 matches postponed, MCA objects to ground’s commercial use

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film ‘Pralay’ has run into controversy even before its release. The permission granted to shoot the film at Mumbai’s historic Azad Maidan has angered the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The under-14 and under-16 inter-school cricket matches scheduled to be held at the ground had to be postponed because of the shoot. Questioning the decision, the MCA has opposed the commercial use of the sports ground. The association says that giving priority to commercial film shoots at a ground where young cricketers shape their future is not good for sporting culture. Film shooting took place at Azad Maidan for the first time Mumbai’s Azad Maidan has long been a major centre for cricket activities. A large number of young players practise cricket here. Local and inter-school cricket tournaments are also held at the ground. According to a report by the Mumbai Mirror, the Maharashtra government’s sports department had given the makers of Ranveer Singh’s film ‘Pralay’ permission to shoot at Azad Maidan for six hours. It is being reported that this was the first time such permission had been granted for a film shoot at the ground. The Mumbai Cricket Association has expressed displeasure over the decision. The association said that using the ground for the shoot affected the cricket activities that had already been scheduled there. Large set erected for shoot, artificial grass laid Large sets had been built at Azad Maidan for the film’s shoot. Artificial grass was also laid according to the requirements of the shoot. Preparations of this kind at the ground disrupted the organisation of cricket matches. Under-14 and Under-16 inter-school cricket matches were particularly affected. According to the report, these fixtures had to be postponed. The MCA says the ground is used to train young players in cricket and host competitions. Booking the ground for a commercial film shoot is therefore not in the interest of sporting activities. MCA member says cricket ground cannot be used for commercial shoots Nadeem Memon, a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Apex Council, has expressed his displeasure over the matter. Speaking to the Mumbai Mirror, he said that a film had been shot at Azad Maidan for the first time. A large set was installed for the shoot and artificial grass was laid. He said, “This is not a film-shooting location but a cricket ground. Players hone their talent here to reach the international level.” According to Nadeem Memon, the ongoing tournaments organised by the association were affected by the shooting. This raises the question: who will take responsibility for the losses caused by it? He also said that the cricket ground could not be used commercially by allowing a commercial film to be shot there. Questions also raised over Sports Department Nadeem Memon has also questioned the role of the Maharashtra government’s Sports Department in the matter. He said the Sports Department’s job was to promote sporting activities and provide better facilities for players. However, allowing commercial shooting at Azad Maidan was contrary to this. He alleged that the Sports Department was affecting Azad Maidan’s sporting culture. The MCA works to train young cricketers and organise several inter-state tournaments. In such a situation, having to postpone matches because of the shooting is detrimental to both the players and the association. Nadeem questioned how commercial bookings could be allowed when the primary purpose of the ground was sporting activities. Makers paid ₹40,000 for permission to shoot According to the report, the Maharashtra government’s Sports Department had granted the film’s production company, Light Rays, permission to shoot on 5,000 square yards of government land at Azad Maidan. The makers were charged ₹40,000 in rent for six hours. In addition, a refundable security deposit of ₹40,000 was collected. However, the permission to shoot came with certain conditions. The production team was not allowed to bring vehicles onto the cricket pitch, cook food, dig up the ground or carry out any activity that could damage the ground. In addition, the makers were asked to obtain the necessary permissions from the police, the Traffic Department and the BMC, as well as a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the MCA. According to the report, Ashok Damaiyawar, Under Secretary in the Sports Department, signed the permission on 30 October. It was then sent to Mumbai’s Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services on 2 November.
What is the story of Ranveer Singh’s film ‘Pralay’? ‘Pralay’ is Ranveer Singh’s upcoming post-apocalyptic survival thriller. The film is being directed by Jai Mehta, the son of filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The film is set in a world where, after massive destruction, humans face the challenge of staying alive. It will depict survival, struggle and the human spirit in difficult circumstances. Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan will also be seen in an important role alongside Ranveer Singh in the film. The film is being shot at real locations in Mumbai. Ranveer Singh’s production company is also associated with the project, along with Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal’s True Story Films. The film is being made on a large scale. MCA now demands accountability over permission for shooting The controversy over the film shoot at Azad Maidan is no longer limited to the postponement of the match. Expressing its displeasure over the decision, the MCA has also written to the Deputy Director of Sports. The association’s main question is: when Azad Maidan has been used for cricket and other sporting activities for years, on what basis was permission granted for a commercial film shoot there? For now, the entire matter has sparked a debate over the balance between sports facilities and commercial activities. While filmmakers want to shoot at real locations, the MCA argues that this should not come at the expense of young players and sporting competitions.