Hansal Mehta has reacted after Ranveer Singh's Pralay shooting faced objection from MCA Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has responded to the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh's upcoming film Pralay after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) claimed that its shoot at Azad Maidan disrupted scheduled inter-school cricket matches. Mehta defended the production, saying the team had obtained the necessary permissions before shooting at the Mumbai ground. He also pointed to the red tape filmmakers must navigate to shoot in the city. The controversy has once again drawn attention to the Maharashtra government's decision to allow a commercial film shoot at a venue usually used by upcoming cricketers and local tournaments. The controversy arose when the MCA approached the Maharashtra government's Sports Department to allow Pralay's production team to film at Azad Maidan. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Mehta maintained that the production had secured the required clearances. He also expressed frustration over the challenges filmmakers face while shooting in Mumbai, saying, "But 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 filmmaker's response came after the MCA objected to the six-hour shoot, claiming it forced the postponement of Under-14 and Under-16 inter-school cricket matches. The MCA is understood to have written to the Maharashtra government's Sports Department for an explanation for permitting the film shoot at Azad Maidan. The association said it was not consulted about the permission, although it is responsible for the upkeep of the ground and its cricket pitches. According to MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon, the production involved erecting large sets and laying artificial grass, disrupting the ground's regular sporting activities. "This is the first time a film shoot has taken place at Azad Maidan. Large sets were erected, and artificial grass was laid for the shoot of Pralay. 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?" Memon said. He also argued that Azad Maidan was already losing space to other activities, including the Aqua Line Metro construction work and the continued occupation of some premises by Mumbai Police. The MCA fears that allowing commercial bookings could further reduce the space available for young cricketers and local tournaments. "The production involved erecting large sets and laying artificial grass, disrupting the ground’s regular sporting activities," said MCA Apex Council member Nadim Memon. Pralay is being directed by Hansal Mehta's son Jai Mehta This is the first time a film shoot has been held at Azad Maidan. Pralay shoot: Big sets were erected, artificial grass laid This is not a film shooting venue but a cricket ground where the players hone their skills to reach the international level. The shoot interfered with our current tournaments. “Who’s going to be held responsible for this loss?” said Memon. He also observed that Azad Maidan was already losing space to other activities, including the Aqua Line Metro construction work and the continued occupation of some premises by Mumbai Police. The MCA is apprehensive that commercial bookings will result in further reduction of space for young cricketers and local tournaments. Reports suggest that the Maharashtra government permitted production house Light Rays to use 5,000 square yards of Azad Maidan for a six-hour shoot for Pralay. The company reportedly paid a booking fee of Rs 40,000 and deposited an additional Rs 40,000 as refundable security. The approval, signed by Sports Department Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar on October 30 and issued on November 2, came with conditions, including no vehicles on cricket pitches, cooking or digging on the ground. It also required an MCA NOC, though the association claims it was not consulted. Deputy director of sports Navnath Fartade defended the decision, citing a government resolution allowing non-sporting events at the ground for up to 30 days annually. The row has reignited debate over commercial use of sporting facilities and their responsibility towards nurturing young cricketing talent. Pralay is a survival thriller set in a post-apocalyptic Mumbai, where a zombie outbreak has brought the city to chaos. The film is directed by Jai Mehta, who makes his feature film directorial debut, and stars Ranveer Singh in the lead. Mehta and Vishal Kapoor have co-written the screenplay. Kalyani Priyadarshan also stars in the film, her much-awaited Hindi debut. It is being made under Ranveer’s banner, Maa Kasam Films, in association with Birla Studios and True Story Films, founded by Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal.