A dispute has emerged between the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Maharashtra Sports Department after permission was granted to shoot portions of Ranveer Singh's upcoming film Pralay at Azad Maidan, resulting in the postponement of scheduled interschool cricket matches.

The MCA has reportedly questioned the decision to allow a commercial film production at the historic ground, arguing that the venue should be protected for young cricketers rather than used for non-sporting activities. Producer Hansal Mehta, however, has defended the production team, maintaining that all necessary permissions were secured before filming began.

According to a report by Mumbai Mirror, the six-hour shoot was the first feature film production to be permitted at Azad Maidan. The MCA subsequently wrote to the Deputy Director of Sports, objecting to the department's decision and questioning why the association had not been consulted before the commercial booking was approved.

MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon criticised what he described as the growing commercialisation of the ground. He pointed out that several portions of the playing area were already unavailable because of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line construction and the continued presence of temporary Mumbai Police offices.

Memon said the latest film shoot had added to the difficulties faced by young cricketers. Large sets were installed and artificial grass was laid over portions of the ground for the production, further affecting its availability for sporting activities.

He argued that Azad Maidan plays an important role in developing aspiring cricketers and should not be treated as a general-purpose commercial space. He also cited previous disruptions caused by religious gatherings, political rallies, marathons and exhibitions, questioning the impact of such activities on organised tournaments.

MCA RAISES CONCERNS OVER YOUTH CRICKET

In its communication to the Sports Department, the MCA stressed that its Under-14 and Under-16 competitions are scheduled well in advance and are an integral part of Maharashtra's cricket development programme.

The association warned that permitting commercial activities during scheduled match days could undermine the continuity of competitive cricket and create an undesirable precedent for other events.

The Maharashtra government had granted production house Light Rays permission to use 5,000 square yards of government land at Azad Maidan for six hours. The booking was approved at a rental charge of Rs 40,000, along with a refundable security deposit of an equivalent amount.

The permission was issued through a 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.

The approval also specified restrictions on activities such as cooking and digging, besides prohibiting vehicles from entering the playing pitches.

SPORTS DEPARTMENT DEFENDS PERMISSION

Responding to the MCA's objections, Deputy Director of Sports for the Mumbai Division, Navnath Fartade, told Mumbai Mirror that existing government provisions allow the department to allocate Azad Maidan for non-sporting purposes for up to 30 days annually.

He cited a Government Resolution (GR) that provides the framework for such permissions. Fartade also acknowledged the concerns surrounding the occupation of parts of the ground, saying discussions were being held with relevant government authorities to remove temporary offices belonging to the Mumbai Police and Metro contractors.

HANSAL MEHTA DEFENDS FILM PRODUCTION

Mehta confirmed that the production team had obtained the required clearances from the competent authorities before proceeding with the shoot.

Defending the decision to film at the venue, the producer also expressed frustration over what he described as excessive bureaucratic obstacles facing film productions in Mumbai.

"Mumbai has been rendered a no-go zone for film shoots because of bureaucratic hurdles. And people like you fuel the fire," Mehta told Mumbai Mirror.

WHAT IS RANVEER SINGH'S 'PRALAY'?

Pralay is an upcoming Hindi-language dystopian zombie action thriller starring Ranveer Singh. Directed by Jai Mehta, the film is being produced by Hansal Mehta and Light Rays, with Ranveer also backing the project through his production banner, Maa Kasam Films.

The project marks the actor's entry into film production and reportedly features large-scale action sequences shot at locations across Mumbai.

Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, known for her role in Lokah, has also joined the cast. The film will mark her debut in Hindi cinema.