With the unveiling of the final trailer for the anticipated film ‘Maidaan’, acclaimed producer Boney Kapoor has taken the opportunity to extol the virtues of Syed Abdul Rahim, whose story forms the film’s backbone. In recent statements, Kapoor expressed his reverence for Rahim’s contributions to Indian football, describing him as a superhuman force behind the sport’s development in the nation. “Rahim Saab was a superman. He single-handedly created the entire team. He was such a nationalist, he wanted to win gold for India and eventually, he did despite so many handicaps. And this film will change the way people perceive Indian football for sure,” Kapoor asserted with confidence.
The upcoming biographical drama ‘Maidaan’, helmed by director Amit Ravindernath Sharma, casts the spotlight on the legacy of Syed Abdul Rahim, who is widely hailed as the architect behind the golden era of Indian football during the 1950s and 1960s. In a performance that is already generating buzz, Bollywood heavyweight Ajay Devgn steps into the shoes of Rahim, bringing to life the dedication and patriotism of the legendary coach and manager. The film also features a talented ensemble including Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh in significant roles, all of whom contribute to the historical narrative of Indian football’s unsung hero.
Ajay Devgn, embodying the role of Rahim, shared insights on his connection to the project. “Apart from being a great story, I never knew that something like that had happened in our country and football had reached its peak and only because of, I can’t say one man but one man and these players who changed the course of football in the 50s and 60s. In fact, I was shocked and surprised this would have happened and there is a person like him and that was the first thing that this story needs to be told,” he reflected, vocalizing his own discovery of this monumental piece of sporting history that ‘Maidaan’ brings to the forefront.
Crafting the film’s narrative are Saiwyn Quadras and Ritesh Shah, who have curated the screenplay and dialogues respectively. The film’s auditory experience is set to be an opulent one, with musical composition by the world-renowned AR Rahman and poignant lyrics penned by Manoj Muntashir Shukla. Together, they promise to deliver a score that befits the epic tale of triumph and passion.
Despite the ambitious vision, the production of ‘Maidaan’ faced formidable challenges. Kapoor’s set had to be dismantled in 2020, owing to the lockdowns imposed during the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Further hindrance came in May 2021, when the formidable Cyclone Tauktae wrecked the film set. Overcoming all odds, the film has emerged ready for its theatrical debut on April 10, destined to recapture an era when Indian football stood tall on the global stage.
Interestingly, this release date sets up a high-profile box office face-off between ‘Maidaan’ and another major Bollywood production, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’. This action thriller stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff and is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The latter film, too, boasts a strong cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran and Sonakshi Sinha, with rising stars Manushi Chhillar and Alaya F rounding out the team.
The juxtaposition of these two varied cinematic experiences will offer audiences a rich choice, with ‘Maidaan’ representing a poignant, character-driven narrative and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ promising high-octane thrills. But beyond the commercial competition, Kapoor’s ‘Maidaan’ stands to accomplish something much larger – it is poised to shift the collective perception and appreciation for Indian football and its historical icons, thanks to the story of one man’s undying spirit and love for the beautiful game.
