Maidaan is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma. The film stars Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim, the pioneering football coach who led India to glory between 1952 and 1962. Released on April 11, 2024, the film coincided with Eid celebrations.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, Maidaan chronicles the journey of Syed Abdul Rahim, who transformed the Indian football team into a formidable force during the 1950s and early 1960s. The narrative delves into Rahim’s relentless efforts to uplift Indian football, his innovative coaching methods, and the challenges he faced in a cricket-dominated nation.​

Cast and Crew

• Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
• Producers: Boney Kapoor, Akash Chawla, Arunava Joy Sengupta, Zee Studios
• Screenplay: Saiwyn Quadras, Aman Rai, Atul Shahi, Amit Sharma
• Dialogues: Ritesh Shah, Siddhant Mago
• Music Composer: A. R. Rahman
• Cinematography: Tushar Kanti Ray, Fyodor Lyass (sports sequences)
• Editing: Dev Rao Jadhav, Shahnawaz Mosani (sports sequences)​

Main Cast:

• Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim
• Priyamani as Saira Rahim
• Gajraj Rao as Roy Chaudhary
• Rudranil Ghosh
• Chaitanya Sharma (SlowCheeta)​

Production Details

The film’s production commenced on August 19, 2019, but faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Nisarga. Filming concluded in May 2022. The movie was shot extensively in various locations to authentically depict the era and the football matches of that time.

Music

The soundtrack of Maidaan is composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Manoj Muntashir. The first single, “Mirza,” was released on March 18, 2024, and the full album became available on April 8, 2024.

Reception

Maidaan received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim and the film’s emotional depth, others felt it could have been more engaging. The movie was noted for its authentic depiction of football matches and the era’s ambiance.

Box Office Performance

Despite the anticipation, Maidaan underperformed at the box office. The film collected approximately ₹42.75 crore in India over three weekends against a reported budget of ₹250 crore. Factors contributing to its lackluster performance included stiff competition and limited audience interest.

Streaming Availability

Maidaan premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 5, 2024, allowing a broader audience to experience the film.

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