Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has addressed the row over the shoot of Ranveer Singh’s ‘Pralay’ at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, stating that his team had all the necessary approvals. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) had objected to the six-hour shoot, saying it led to the postponement of inter-school cricket matches.
Why MCA raised objections
The association questioned why a ground used by young cricketers was given for a commercial film shoot. It said the shoot forced inter-school matches to be put off, which sparked the controversy.
Hansal Mehta says all permissions were in place
Responding to the issue, Hansal Mehta said his team had followed the process. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, “Our shoot at Azad Maidan was fully permitted. We have requisite permission letters from police departments, sports departments including an acknowledgement of the same from MCA. The larger problem is this. Mumbai is the home of Indian cinema. It has also become a most unfriendly city to shoot in. A single location needs clearances from multiple departments, each with its own process, its own delays and its own power to stop a shoot. Even when you have every permission, you are treated as if you are trespassing.”
Other states welcome film crews, says director
The director added that many other states are happy to host film crews. He said, “They understand that a shoot brings jobs, business and visibility. Here, we are met with obstruction. I say this with much sadness as a proud Mumbaikar and Maharashtrian – this is why so many of us now prefer to shoot outside Mumbai.”
Hansal Mehta wants to keep shooting in Mumbai
Hansal Mehta made it clear that he still wants to film in the city. “I have worked in this city for over three decades. I love it and I want to keep telling its stories here. But filmmakers will go where they are allowed to work. If Mumbai wants to remain the centre of this industry, it has to stop treating its own filmmakers as a nuisance. We followed every rule no matter how complicated or difficult it may be. We will continue to do so. We simply seek the cooperation of the authorities and a much-needed lack of mistrust in doing so.”
More about ‘Pralay’
‘Pralay’ is an upcoming post-apocalyptic zombie thriller starring Ranveer Singh, with Kalyani Priyadarshan in the cast. Directed by Jai Mehta in his feature debut, the original story is backed by Hansal Mehta and Ranveer’s production houses. Shooting began in Mumbai, with a large part planned in Australia. The film reportedly has a Rs 300 crore budget.Hansal Mehta is a producer on the film, and his son Jai Mehta is the director.
