Ajay Devgn’s sports drama Maidaan underperformed at the box office despite critical acclaim. Director Amit Sharma has opened up about the film’s reception and its unexpected failure at the Indian box office.
Maidaan Box Office Struggles
Maidaan, a biopic on legendary Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, starred Ajay Devgn in the lead role and had high expectations from fans and critics alike. Released on April 11, the film was made on a substantial budget of over ₹200 crore. However, it managed to earn only ₹60 crore at the Indian box office, significantly below its anticipated numbers.
Despite receiving strong reviews, the film did not see much footfall in theatres, leading to its underperformance. In a recent interview with DNA, director Amit Sharma shared his thoughts on the film’s box office failure and its eventual success on OTT platforms.
Amit Sharma on Maidaan’s Reception
Speaking to DNA, Amit Sharma expressed his disappointment, saying he couldn’t pinpoint the reason behind the lukewarm response in theatres. He explained, “When the film was released, a lot of people did not watch it. But whoever watched it only praised it. They all appreciated it. I was making rounds of the theatres, and I saw the reaction of the public watching it. It was amazing. After it released on OTT, I was flooded with messages and emails. Many said they should have watched it in theatres, but at the end of the day, you can’t force people to go to theatres.”
The director also highlighted that while the film did not draw large crowds to cinemas, it gained significant appreciation after its release on OTT platforms, with many viewers regretting not watching it on the big screen.
Plot and Cast of Maidaan
Maidaan is based on the inspiring life of Syed Abdul Rahim, who coached and managed the Indian football team from 1950 to 1963. Under his leadership, India won the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962, marking a golden era for Indian football.
In the film, Ajay Devgn portrayed the football coach with dedication and authenticity, receiving praise for his performance. Priyamani and Nitanshi Goel played pivotal roles, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Maidaan was jointly produced by Zee Studios, Bayview Projects, and Fresh Lime Films.
Critical Reception of Maidaan
While Maidaan did not achieve commercial success, it garnered positive reviews from critics. An excerpt from the Hindustan Times review read, “Even while I kept drawing comparisons while watching the exhilarating football matches, training camps, and green room scenes, there was very little to complain about. It was an experience that completely soaks you in its simplicity, earnest storytelling, and performances that are impactful, but never overshadow the narrative.”
Despite its struggles at the box office, the film’s strong storytelling, performances, and engaging football sequences won the hearts of viewers, particularly once it was released on digital platforms.
Conclusion: Maidaan Finds Success on OTT
While Maidaan may not have performed as expected in theatres, it found a second life on OTT platforms, where it was widely appreciated. Amit Sharma’s heartfelt sports drama continues to resonate with audiences, even if its initial box office performance didn’t meet expectations. As Ajay Devgn‘s portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim gains more recognition, the film’s legacy is set to grow.
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