Hansal Mehta Criticizes Mumbai's Film Shoot Environment Amid Pralay Controversy at Azad Maidan
A six-hour film shoot for the upcoming zombie thriller Pralay at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan has sparked a heated public dispute between the Mumbai Cricket Association and the production team, drawing sharp criticism from producer Hansal Mehta regarding the city's filming bureaucracy.
Published 7 November 2026
The Azad Maidan Dispute
A brief six-hour film shoot at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan escalated into a public disagreement involving the Mumbai Cricket Association and the creators of the upcoming zombie thriller Pralay. Producer Hansal Mehta defended the production's paperwork while addressing broader concerns regarding the difficulties of filming in the city.
The production house Light Rays utilized 5,000 square yards of the ground after paying a booking fee and a security deposit, erecting large sets and laying artificial grass for the sequence.
Government Permission and Cricket Disruptions
The Maharashtra government's Sports Department granted clearance for the shoot, which caused the postponement of Under-14 and Under-16 inter-school cricket matches. Navnath Fartade, Deputy Director of Sports for the Mumbai Division, defended the approval by citing a resolution that permits non-sporting events at the venue for up to thirty days annually.
The approval documents were signed by Sports Department Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar, with the production fulfilling financial requirements including deposits and fees under specified conditions.
The Mumbai Cricket Association's Objections
The Mumbai Cricket Association expressed strong opposition, stating they were not consulted before the authorization was issued for a ground dedicated to youth training and tournaments. Nadim Memon, an MCA Apex Council member, highlighted that the ground is already impacted by Aqua Line Metro construction and police occupancy, arguing that commercial film shoots should not displace young athletes.
The association raised concerns about the precedent this sets, fearing that further commercial bookings could permanently diminish available open spaces for aspiring cricketers in the city.
Hansal Mehta's Defense and Criticism
Hansal Mehta asserted that the production possessed every required clearance, including permissions from police and sports departments alongside an acknowledgement from the MCA. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, he voiced deep frustration with the bureaucratic friction filmmakers face in Mumbai.
Mehta remarked that despite holding valid paperwork, film crews are frequently treated as trespassers, adding that various departments possess individual powers to halt productions unexpectedly.
Broader Industry Implications
Mehta contrasted Mumbai's regulatory hurdles with other states that actively welcome film crews with streamlined processes and economic incentives. He noted that the cumulative difficulties in obtaining clearances are driving producers to shoot outside of Mumbai, threatening the city's status as the heart of Indian cinema.
The conflict underscores a larger friction between maintaining authentic local backdrops for stories and navigating complex municipal and state regulations for public spaces.
About the Production Pralay
Pralay is a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller with a reported budget of 300 crore rupees, set in a near-future Mumbai affected by a pandemic and a subsequent outbreak. The project stars Ranveer Singh and marks the Hindi film debut of Kalyani Priyadarshan.
The film is directed by Jai Mehta in his feature debut, with a script written by Jai Mehta and Vishal Kapoor. Production is backed by True Story Films, Maa Kasam Films, and Birla Studios, with principal photography commencing in August 2026.
News Overview
A film shoot for Pralay at Azad Maidan disrupted youth cricket matches and triggered a public debate involving the Mumbai Cricket Association, the state sports department, and producer Hansal Mehta. While the production secured official government permits, the controversy highlighted ongoing bureaucratic challenges and location constraints for filmmakers in Mumbai.
Key facts
- The shoot took place in early November 2026.
- The film production paid a booking fee of 40,000 rupees and a refundable security deposit of 40,000 rupees.
- The approval was signed by Sports Department Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar on October 30 and sent on November 2.
- Pralay has a reported budget of 300 crore rupees.
- Principal photography for Pralay began in Mumbai on August 16, 2026.