Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has publicly addressed a controversy surrounding the production of the upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller 'Pralay' at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan. The shoot, which involved actor Ranveer Singh, faced significant pushback from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), leading to a debate over the ease of filming in the city. The MCA raised formal objections to the six-hour production, stating that the occupation of the ground resulted in the mandatory postponement of scheduled inter-school cricket matches.
Addressing the criticism, Mehta maintained that the production team had strictly adhered to all administrative protocols. In a recent interview, he stated that the team possessed all necessary approval letters from the relevant police and sports departments. He further noted that the MCA had provided an acknowledgement of the shoot beforehand. Despite these documentation efforts, the production faced interference that Mehta described as emblematic of a larger issue affecting the Indian film industry.
Mehta expressed frustration over the environment for filmmakers in Mumbai, arguing that the city has become one of the most unfriendly places to conduct shoots. He highlighted that even after obtaining official clearances, production units are frequently treated as trespassers. According to the director, the current system requires approvals from an array of different departments, each burdened with unique processes, potential for delays, and the authority to halt operations on site.
The filmmaker, who has worked in the industry for over three decades, suggested that this administrative friction is causing a shift in production trends. He remarked that other states have begun to welcome film crews more warmly, as they recognize the economic benefits, job creation, and visibility that come with major productions. He stated that this contrast is why many producers are increasingly opting to film projects outside of Mumbai, a move he described as a sad development for someone who identifies as a proud Mumbaikar and Maharashtrian.
'Pralay', which is directed by Jai Mehta in his feature debut, is a large-scale project reportedly operating on a budget of Rs 300 crore. The film features Ranveer Singh and actor Kalyani Priyadarshan. While portions of the movie are being filmed in Mumbai, the production house—backed by both Hansal Mehta and Ranveer Singh—has also planned a significant segment of the shoot to take place in Australia.
Despite his criticisms, Mehta emphasized his commitment to the city and his desire to continue filming in Mumbai. He argued that if the city intends to maintain its long-standing position as the heart of Indian cinema, authorities must shift their perspective on how they treat film crews. He called for a more cooperative approach, urging officials to move past the atmosphere of suspicion that currently complicates the filmmaking process.
Ultimately, Mehta underscored that filmmakers will naturally move toward environments where they are allowed to work without constant obstruction. He reiterated that his team had followed every rule, regardless of the difficulty involved in the process, and expressed hope that future interactions with local authorities would be defined by cooperation rather than unnecessary obstacles. The incident at Azad Maidan has served as a focal point for this ongoing discussion regarding the relationship between the entertainment industry and local administrative bodies in the city.
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