Producer Boney Kapoor has opened up about the immense financial difficulties he faced during the making of his passion project, Maidaan. The sports drama, starring Ajay Devgn, took nearly five years to complete due to numerous setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Originally planned with a budget of Rs 120 crore, the film’s final cost increased to Rs 210 crore. Unfortunately, when Maidaan released in April 2024, it failed to attract audiences and collected only Rs 68 crore at the box office, resulting in a huge loss for the producer. Kapoor recently revealed details of the struggle, explaining how he had to borrow money to clear his debts after the film flopped.
How The Budget Doubled During The Pandemic
Speaking on a recent YouTube show, Boney Kapoor explained that the film was hit by a perfect storm of problems. Production started in 2019, and nearly 70% of the film was complete by January 2020. The team was scheduled to shoot the crucial international football matches in March when the nationwide lockdown was announced.
Kapoor detailed how he had to halt production four separate times due to lockdown extensions. To make matters worse, a cyclone completely wiped out the expensive stadium set they had built. These delays and damages caused the budget to skyrocket far beyond the initial plan.
On-Set Costs And COVID Precautions
The producer also shared stunning details about the daily operational costs required to maintain safety standards during the pandemic. At certain points, the crew size reached 800 people. Kapoor stated that due to COVID restrictions, he ordered food from the Taj Hotel for the entire unit to ensure quality and safety.
He also had to maintain four ambulances and doctors on set at all times. The cost of providing bottled water alone was enormous. Kapoor claimed, “We had done a deal with a particular brand. They supplied water and that bill was humongous. We had to give distilled water to all so that they feel safe.” He mentioned that the cost of these safety measures over three and a half years could have funded a small-budget film on its own.
The Financial Aftermath
After Maidaan failed at the box office, Boney Kapoor was faced with significant debt. He revealed that he had to borrow money to ensure all his vendors and crew members were paid. “The film failed but it was not their fault,” Kapoor said. “They, in fact, patiently waited for four long years with some even reducing their fees by 10-15%.”
Kapoor attributed the loss to destiny rather than blaming any individual. He also noted that lenders trust him because he maintains communication even during financial stress, referencing how he paid off huge debts in the past after films like No Entry became successful.
About Maidaan
Maidaan is a 2024 biographical sports drama based on the life of legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, who led the Indian football team during its golden era. Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the film stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role alongside Priyamani and Gajraj Rao.
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