On its second day at the box office, Ajay Devgn’s recent movie ‘Maidaan’ received a tepid reception, failing to surpass the ₹10 crore milestone within the initial two days of its release. According to Sacnilk.com, the sports drama raked in over ₹7 crore on its debut, but experienced a considerable decline, earning only ₹24 lakh on the following day.
Who was Syed Abdul Rahim?
Syed Abdul Rahim, affectionately known as Rahim Saab, was a prominent figure in Indian football history. Serving as the coach and manager of the India national team from 1950 until his passing in 1963, he also had a distinguished career as a player.
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Ajay Devgn’s ‘Maidaan’: A Tribute to Syed Abdul Rahim’s Legacy in Indian Football
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the Ajay Devgn starrer delves into the inspiring story of Syed Abdul Rahim’s relentless commitment to Indian football, elevating the nation’s stature in the sport. Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh also feature prominently in the cast.
In ‘Maidaan’, Ajay Devgn portrays the character of Rahim, the mastermind behind the transformation of an underdog football team into a formidable force, despite facing monumental challenges. The film was released in theaters on Wednesday, April 10.
Ajay Devgn’s voice-over in the trailer succinctly captures the film’s core message: “We aren’t the largest country, neither the richest. Football can create our identity because the whole world plays football. So, India needs to focus on making a world-class team for the next 10 years.”
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Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar showered praise on Ajay Devgn for his portrayal in Maidaan, lauding it as “mind-blowing.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he expressed, “I watched Maidaan… It’s a true story that will instill pride in every Indian for certain national accomplishments that, unfortunately, many of us are unaware of.”
Akhtar emphasized, “A must-watch. Congratulations to producer Boney Kapoor, director Amit Sharma and to Ajay Devgan, who has given a mind-blowing performance.”
Despite encountering setbacks such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and the subsequent destruction of the film set by Cyclone Tauktae, the resilience of the ‘Maidaan’ team ensured the film’s theatrical release on April 10.
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Maidaan Review: Ajay Devgn Shines in this Heartfelt Sports Drama, Captivating Audiences with Stunning Cinematography
The review of Maidaan encapsulates the essence of a sports drama, where the journey of a sportsperson, the triumph of a team, or the untold story of an unsung coach intertwines seamlessly with adrenaline and emotions. Similar to the satisfaction and joy experienced while watching cinematic masterpieces like Chak De! India and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Maidaan delivers a similar feeling of fulfillment.
Directed by Amit Sharma, this biographical film offers a profound and well-crafted narrative, celebrating the golden era of Indian football during the 1950s and 60s. It shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of coach Syed Abdul Rahim, whose singular ambition was to forge a victorious team and elevate Indian football onto the global stage.
In several instances, Maidaan follows the well-trodden path of sports dramas, where Team India emerges as the underdog, captivating viewers with their astonishing triumphs, often securing a trophy or medal in the final moments of a live match, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. While Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic 70-minute speech from Chak De! India is replaced with Ajay’s lecture on unity, emphasizing the mantra, ‘match mein utarna 11, lekin dikhna ek.’
Another memorable scene reminiscent of Chak De! India occurs when Ajay visits the stadium the night before the finals, his face illuminated by the water sprinklers preparing the ground for the upcoming match, evoking a sense of anticipation and nostalgia.
