Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film Pralay has found itself at the centre of a controversy even as its shooting continues in Mumbai. A six-hour filming schedule at the city’s historic Azad Maidan has triggered objections from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), with the association alleging that the shoot disrupted scheduled Under-14 and Under-16 interschool cricket matches.
The Maharashtra government’s Sports Department reportedly granted permission to the film’s production team to use part of the ground for filming. However, the decision has angered cricket officials, who believe a venue used to nurture young talent should not be made available for commercial activities at the cost of scheduled sporting events.
Why Has the MCA Objected to Pralay’s Shoot?
According to reports, the MCA was compelled to postpone Under-14 and Under-16 interschool cricket matches because of the film shoot. The association has written to the Deputy Director of Sports, expressing its displeasure over the permission granted to the production team.
MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon criticised the decision, pointing out that Azad Maidan is an important venue for young cricketers who train and compete there with hopes of progressing to higher levels of the sport.
Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Memon said, “This is not a film-shooting venue but a cricket ground where players hone their skills to progress to the international level.”
He also questioned who would take responsibility for the disruption and the resulting losses to the ongoing tournaments. According to him, the shoot affected the association's efforts to organise competitions and support emerging cricketing talent.
Large Sets and Artificial Grass Installed at Azad Maidan
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that large sets had been erected and artificial grass had been laid at the location for the filming of Pralay.
Memon argued that allowing commercial productions to use the ground could affect its sporting culture. He also expressed concern that such permissions could set a precedent for further commercial bookings at a venue primarily associated with cricket.
The MCA's objection is not limited to the inconvenience caused by one shoot. The association has raised broader concerns about the availability of Azad Maidan for regular cricket activities, including training sessions and tournaments.
How Much Did the Government Charge for the Shoot?
According to the Mumbai Mirror report cited by Bollywood Hungama, the Maharashtra government permitted production house Light Rays to use 5,000 square yards of government land at Azad Maidan for six hours.
The reported rental charge was ₹40,000, with an additional ₹40,000 collected as a refundable security deposit.
The permission also came with restrictions intended to protect the ground. The production team was reportedly prohibited from bringing vehicles onto cricket pitches, cooking, digging or carrying out any activity that could damage the playing surface.
The makers were also required to obtain the necessary clearances from the police, traffic department and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), along with a no-objection certificate from the MCA. An undertaking on ₹100 stamp paper was also part of the reported requirements.
The permission was signed by Sports Department Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar on October 30 and forwarded by the Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services, Mumbai, on November 2.
MCA Questions the Sports Department’s Decision
Memon criticised the Sports Department for allowing commercial bookings at a ground that plays an important role in developing young cricketers.
He said the association works to nurture emerging players and organise several inter-state tournaments. The postponement of matches, he argued, affects not only the schedule but also the young participants, schools and organisers involved.
The association has questioned why its sporting commitments were not given priority before permission was granted for the shoot.
Hansal Mehta Responds to the Controversy
Producer Hansal Mehta, who is associated with Pralay, has defended the production team. According to India Today, Mehta said the team had obtained all mandatory clearances from the competent authorities before filming.
He also criticised the bureaucratic hurdles faced by film productions in Mumbai, arguing that excessive restrictions make the city increasingly difficult for filmmakers to work in.
The response adds another dimension to the dispute. While the MCA has questioned the decision to permit filming at a cricket ground during scheduled matches, the production side maintains that it followed the required approval process.
What Is Ranveer Singh’s Film Pralay About?
Pralay is an upcoming dystopian zombie action thriller starring Ranveer Singh. The film is directed by Jai Mehta, marking his feature-film directorial venture, and is produced by Hansal Mehta in association with Light Rays.
The story is set in a dystopian world facing a zombie outbreak, with survival and large-scale action forming central elements of the narrative. The film also features Kalyani Priyadarshan, who is reportedly making her Hindi film debut with the project.
The Azad Maidan dispute has brought attention to a larger question: how should public sporting spaces be managed when commercial productions seek permission to use them? While the makers maintain that they secured the necessary clearances, the MCA's concerns underline the importance of protecting scheduled sporting activities and opportunities for young athletes.
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