Cricket body reacts as Ranveer Singh's Pralay shoot disrupts matches at Azad Maidan

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) expressed sharp disapproval after the Maharashtra Sports Department permitted a six-hour shoot for actor Ranveer Singh's upcoming film Pralay at Mumbai's iconic Azad Maidan. The association accused authorities of commercially exploiting the grassroots venue after the shoot forced the postponement of scheduled Under-14 and Under-16 interschool matches.This marks the first time a feature film shoot has been allowed at the historic sports ground, as reported by Mumbai Mirror. According to the report, the MCA wrote to the deputy director of sports, questioning why the association was not consulted before commercial permission was granted. MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon told the publication that the Sports Department was increasingly prioritising commercial bookings over the needs of young athletes."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," Memon said.Memon highlighted that large sets were erected, and artificial grass was laid across the playing surface for the shoot of Pralay. He argued that Azad Maidan is a dedicated training ground for aspiring international players, not a commercial venue. Pointing to past disruptions from religious functions, political rallies, marathons, and exhibitions, Memon questioned who would take responsibility for the disruption of official tournaments aimed at nurturing young talent.In its official letter, the MCA urged the department to prioritise scheduled sports fixtures, warning that allowing commercial film shoots on active match days sets a precedent that threatens uninterrupted competitive cricket. The association emphasised that its Under-14 and Under-16 tournaments are planned well in advance and form a critical part of the state's cricket development system.The state government granted production house Light Rays permission to use 5,000 square yards of government land at Azad Maidan for six hours, charging Rs 40,000 in rent along with a refundable security deposit of Rs 40,000. The permission letter, 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, came with strict stipulations against cooking, digging, or bringing vehicles onto the pitches.Responding to the allegations, Deputy Director of Sports (Mumbai Division) Navnath Fartade told Mumbai Mirror that a Government Resolution (GR) empowers the department to allocate Azad Maidan for non-sporting activities for up to 30 days a year. Addressing the ongoing encroachments, Fartade added that meetings are underway with government officials to clear temporary offices set up by the Mumbai Police and Metro contractors.Meanwhile, Hansal Mehta, the producer of Pralay, confirmed to Mumbai Mirror that the production team had obtained all mandatory clearances from competent authorities prior to filming. Mehta defended the shoot while criticising administrative friction, adding, "Mumbai has been rendered a no-go zone for film shoots because of bureaucratic hurdles. And people like you fuel the fire."Pralay is an upcoming Hindi-language dystopian zombie action thriller featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role. Produced by Hansal Mehta under his banner alongside production house Light Rays, the film is directed by Jai Mehta. It reportedly features high-octane sequences filmed across real locations in Mumbai.Apart from Ranveer, Lokah actor Kalyani Priyadarshan has been roped in for the film as her Hindi film debut.- Ends