A fresh controversy has erupted over the shooting of Ranveer Singh's upcoming movie ‘Pralay’ at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. The friction began when the Mumbai Cricket Association raised strong objections against a six-hour shoot conducted at the venue, claiming it forced the postponement of pre-scheduled inter-school cricket matches. The association questioned how a commercial film shoot could be permitted at a ground routinely used by young cricketers for practice and tournaments. Following the uproar, filmmaker Hansal Mehta has come forward to address the controversy and defend the production.
All Permissions Were Secure
Hansal Mehta asserted that the production team had followed all necessary protocols and secured the required clearances in advance. He used the opportunity to criticize the numerous hurdles filmmakers face while shooting in Mumbai, stating that the city has become one of the hardest places for film production. According to media reports, Mehta explained in an interview that the team had completed all bureaucratic processes and obtained approvals from the relevant departments. He specifically noted that the team also held clearance from the MCA, emphasizing that their shoot at Azad Maidan was entirely legitimate and backed by official permission letters from both the police and sports departments.
The Complex Approval Labyrinth
Highlighting the broader industry struggle, Mehta pointed out that the real challenge lies in the convoluted process of acquiring shooting permits in Mumbai. He noted that filmmakers often have to run between multiple independent departments for a single location. He added that while Mumbai remains the home of Indian cinema, it has ironically turned into the most difficult city for shooting due to the fragmented clearance system. Every department operates with its own timeline, procedural delays, and the power to halt a shoot. He remarked that even when filmmakers carry all valid permits, they are frequently treated as trespassers on set.
Pushing Filmmakers to Other States
Mehta expressed concern that these procedural nightmares are driving filmmakers away to shoot in other states instead. Despite the criticism, he maintains a deep emotional connection to Mumbai and wishes to continue making films in the city. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the MCA was not consulted before the permits were issued, even though the association handles the maintenance of the grounds and pitches. As for the project itself, ‘Pralay’ is a survival thriller directed by Jay Mehta, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, depicting a post-apocalyptic Mumbai grappling with a zombie threat.
