Hansal Mehta reacts to reports of 'Pralay' shoot disrupting cricket
What's the story
Filmmaker and producer Hansal Mehta has denied allegations that the shooting of Ranveer Singh's Pralay at Mumbai's Azad Maidan disrupted inter-school cricket matches. The dispute started after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) objected to the six-hour shoot, alleging that they were forced to postpone certain matches. However, Mehta clarified that his team had all necessary permissions for the shoot.
Statement
'Mumbai has been rendered a no-go zone for film shoots'
Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Mehta said, "I would like to underscore that Mumbai has been rendered a no-go zone for film shoots because of bureaucratic hurdles. And people like you fuel the fire."
The MCA has reportedly asked the Maharashtra government's Sports Department to explain why it permitted the Pralay shoot at Azad Maidan.
Permission dispute
MCA's official statement on the matter
The MCA alleged that it was not consulted before the Sports Department granted permission for the Pralay shoot, despite being responsible for maintaining the ground and its pitches.
The shoot required a large set and artificial grass, which led the MCA to reschedule Under-14 and Under-16 inter-school matches.
Ground concerns
'Who will take responsibility for this loss?'
MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon questioned, "This is not a film-shooting venue but a cricket ground where players hone their skills to progress to the international level."
"Our ongoing tournaments were disrupted because of the shoot."
"Who will take responsibility for this loss? You cannot commercially exploit a cricket ground by allowing a commercial film shoot."
Film details
All about 'Pralay'
Pralay, starring Singh, is a survival thriller set in a post-apocalyptic Mumbai.
Helmed by Mehta's son, Jai Mehta, the film is being produced on a large scale for theatrical release.
It also marks Singh's debut as a producer under his banner, Maa Kasam Films.
The movie went on floors in Mumbai on August 16 and reportedly features several real locations across the city.