MCA slams Sports Dept over Ranveer’s ‘Pralay’ shoot at Azad Maidan; Hansal Mehta reacts

MCA slams Maharashtra Sports Department over Ranveer Singh’s ‘Pralay’ shoot at Azad Maidan; producer Hansal Mehta says, 'Production team had obtained all mandatory clearances'

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has strongly objected after the Maharashtra Sports Department allowed a six-hour shoot for Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film ‘Pralay’ at Mumbai’s historic Azad Maidan.

The association says the shoot forced the postponement of scheduled interschool matches and accuses authorities of using a grassroots ground for commercial gain.

Producer Hansal Mehta has rejected the claims, saying the “production team had obtained all mandatory clearances.”

First film shoot at the historic ground

According to a Mumbai Mirror report, this is the first time a feature film has been allowed to shoot at the ground. The MCA wrote to the deputy director of sports asking why it was not consulted before the permission was given.

MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon told the newspaper that the department was giving more weight to commercial bookings than to young players.Nadim Memon said parts of the ground were already unavailable. “A major portion of Azad Maidan was earlier handed over for the Aqua Line Metro construction, but contractors are yet to vacate the premises despite repeated reminders. The Mumbai Police have also continued to occupy the ground instead of moving back to their original location.

Now, film shoots are being allowed as well,” he said.He added that large sets were built and artificial grass was laid over the playing area for the shoot. Calling Azad Maidan a training ground for future international cricketers, he said it should not be treated as a commercial venue. He also listed earlier disruptions from religious events, political rallies, marathons and exhibitions, and asked who would answer for the loss of official tournaments meant to develop young talent.

MCA letter warns of a precedent

In its letter, the MCA asked the department to give priority to scheduled sports fixtures. It warned that allowing film shoots on match days sets a precedent that could harm continuous competitive cricket. The association said its under-14 and under-16 tournaments are planned well ahead and are an important part of cricket development in the state.

Permission, rent and conditions

The state government gave production house Light Rays permission to use 5,000 square yards of government land at ground level for six hours.

The rent was Rs 40,000, along with a refundable security deposit of Rs 40,000. The letter was signed by Sports Department Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar on October 30 and forwarded by the deputy director of Sports and Youth Services on November 2. It barred cooking, digging and bringing vehicles onto the pitches.

Sports Department and Hansal Mehta respond

Deputy Director of Sports (Mumbai Division) Navnath Fartade told Mumbai Mirror that a Government Resolution (GR) lets the department allot the ground for non-sporting activities for up to 30 days a year.

On the encroachments, he said meetings are being held with government officials to remove temporary offices set up by the Mumbai Police and Metro contractors.Hansal Mehta told the newspaper that all required clearances had been taken from the competent authorities before filming. He also criticised the red tape the industry faces: “Mumbai has been rendered a no-go zone for film shoots because of bureaucratic hurdles.

And people like you fuel the fire.”

About ‘Pralay’

‘Pralay’ is an upcoming Hindi dystopian zombie action thriller with Ranveer Singh in the lead. It is directed by Jai Mehta and produced by Hansal Mehta along with Light Rays. The film reportedly has high-energy sequences shot at real locations in Mumbai. It is also Ranveer’s first production, co-produced under his banner Maa Kasam Films. ‘Lokah’ actor Kalyani Priyadarshan has joined the cast in her Hindi film debut.