Maidaanmarks Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn’s quick return to the silver screen weeks after the release of his recent film, Shaitaan. His new film depicts the inspiring journey of coach Syed Abdul Rahim and the golden era of Indian football during the 1950s and 60s. Directed by Amit Sharma, the film delivers a heartfelt homage to a forgotten hero of Indian sports, albeit with a few pacing hiccups.
In the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, the Indian football team loses by a big margin to Yugoslavia. Indian team football coach Syed Abdul Rahim (Ajay Devgn) explains the reasons for the loss to the Football Federation of India. He suggests that if the federation wants the team to score victories in future tournaments, he be allowed to form a new team with a new set of players. S.A. Rahim travels across India to find out the best players. The rest of the film focuses on Rahim’s eventful journey and how his team goes on to win in the Asian Games, fighting against all odds.
Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, Maidaan immerses viewers in the tumultuous yet exhilarating world of football. While the narrative occasionally feels sluggish, particularly in the first half, Sharma ensures that the characters remain the beating heart of the story. The film intricately weaves personal struggles, societal challenges, and the fervent passion for the sport, crafting a rollercoaster of emotions that resonates deeply.
The real standout of Maidaan lies in its remarkable portrayal of sports action sequences. From nail-biting matches to intense training montages, the film captures the essence and adrenaline of football with breathtaking authenticity. Every kick, every goal, and every victory feels exhilaratingly real, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail and stellar cinematography.
At the center of it all is Ajay Devgn, delivering a career-defining performance as coach Syed Abdul Rahim. Devgn embodies the essence of Rahim with gravitas and conviction, seamlessly transitioning from moments of fiery determination to poignant vulnerability. His portrayal infuses the character with depth and humanity, making Rahim's journey from obscurity to legend all the more compelling.
Supporting performances also shine, with a talented ensemble cast bringing the era to life with authenticity. Whether it's the camaraderie among the players or the emotional turmoil faced by Rahim, each character feels fleshed out and relatable, adding layers of richness to the narrative tapestry. Actress Priyamani also does justice to her character.
Despite its occasional pacing issues, Maidaan ultimately emerges as a stirring tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sports. It reminds us of the untold stories that shape our nation's history and celebrates the unsung heroes who paved the way for future generations.
With its captivating performances, breathtaking visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, Maidaan scores big on both the field and the screen, making it a must-watch for every cinema enthusiast.
Maidaan is set to hit cinemas tomorrow April 11, on the auspicious occasion of Eid.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.