Hansal Mehta asserts full permits for six‑hour “Pralay” shoot at Azad Maidan despite MCA objections

What Happened

Hansal Mehta said the shoot of Ranveer Singh’s film "Pralay" at Azad Maidan was fully permitted. He produced permission letters from the police, the sports department and an acknowledgement from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The filming lasted six hours and was scheduled on a ground normally used for inter‑school cricket matches.

Reaction

The MCA objected, saying the shoot forced postponement of the matches and questioning why a children’s cricket venue was allocated for a commercial project. Mehta countered that even with all clearances, film crews are treated as trespassers and face delays from several authorities.

Industry View

Mehta noted that many other Indian states welcome film crews because shoots generate jobs, business and visibility. He expressed sadness as a proud Mumbaikar and Maharashtrian, adding that many filmmakers now prefer to work outside Mumbai due to the obstruction.

Context

Mumbai’s film‑friendly reputation is hampered by a maze of departmental approvals, each able to stop a shoot. The director said he has worked in the city for over three decades, loves it and wants to keep telling its stories there, but urges authorities to stop treating local filmmakers as a nuisance.