Maidaan Controversy: Boney Kapoor's Counsel Reacts To Non-Payment Claim By Syed Abdul Rahim's Family

Maidaan Controversy: Ajay Devgn starrer sports-drama, which released after several delays on April 10, failed to perform well at the box office and incurred losses. Post its release, the makers of the film are surrounded by a new controversy.

Maidaan makers failed to fulfil their promise?

Telangana government has ordered a probe against Maidaan makers for allegedly not paying royalties to the family of late Syed Abdul Rahim, whose life and times have inspired the sports drama. Four months after Maidaan was released, reportedly, Rahim's family is yet to receive their due. The family also reached out to the stakeholders but to no avail. According to reports, a police action might be initiated against Maidaan makers and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has been apprised of the situation.

Makers respond to the allegations of non-payment of dues to Syed Abdul Rahim’s family

Ameet Naik, who represents Boney Kapoor, said in a official statement, “The legal heirs of Syed Abdul Rahim had filed an Original Suit No. 1271 of 2019 along with an Interim Application No. 602 of 2019, before the Hon’ble Civil Judge, Hyderabad in June 2019 seeking a judgement and decree for perpetual injunction on release, exploitation and production of the film Maidaan. Bayview Projects LLP opposed the grant of injunction inter alia on the grounds that the information about late Mr Raheem, as the coach of the Indian football team, is available in the public domain and no permission was required under law to make a film on late Mr Raheem/Indian football. The Hon’ble Court, after hearing the parties in detail, had by its order dated 30th of September 2019, refused to grant any injunction/restraining relief on the production, release and/or exploitation of the film Maidaan and the concerned Interim Application filed by the legal heirs was dismissed.”

He further stated, “Though the producers were not obliged under law to obtain any permission/consent from the heirs of Mr Raheem, in good faith, resolved the matter amicably with the heirs on terms and conditions recorded in the consent terms dated January 29, 2020, filed in the Hon’ble City Civil Court, Hyderabad. Additionally, the producers have also obtained life rights to Sqn. Ldr. Syed Shahid Hakim (son of Syed Abdul Rahim; now deceased) has paid consideration for the same during his lifetime, as per Mr. Hakim’s instructions to his wife Sadia Syeda and to his family members namely Mohammed Abdul Samad and Mohammed Shariq Daniyal Akhtar”.

Ameet Naik, advocate for Bayview Projects LLP and partner at Anand and Naik stated, “Bayview is in compliance with the consent terms dated January 29, 2020, filed before the Hon’ble Civil Court, Hyderabad and Secunderabad. There are no outstanding dues to any of the legal heirs of the late Mr. Raheem/Mr. Hakeem and no notice has been received by the police/state authority. If any claim or notice is received, the production house shall take all steps to deal with the same in accordance with law to protect and safeguard its rights and reputation”.

All about Maidaan

Based on the life of former Indian football coach and manager Syed Abdul Rahim, who shaped the national team through its "golden age" in the sport, Maidaan sees Ajay in the titular role. 

Maidaan reportedly made ₹68 crore during its run in cinema halls. It is available for streaming on Prime Video.