Emotions run high as football biopic ‘Maidaan’ gears for release

Football coach Syed Abdul Rahim’s biopic, ‘Maidaan’, which stars Ajay Devgn, is set to release on April 10. Rahim was responsible for making India proud by getting the team to win to two Gold medals in Football at Asian Games in 1951 and 1962. 

Rahim’s grandson Fazeel expressed his gratitude towards maker Boney Kapoor in a special message and said, “I have seen the trailer of ‘Maidaan’ movie and have fallen short of words to praise it. I think this movie needs to reach the right people. It is a fantastic and brilliant trailer. You guys have hit a last minute goal to win the match exactly seven days before the release of the movie. I really enjoyed watching it. Hat’s off to the marketing team for their marketing strategy. I am just blown away with it, the way Priyamani’s scene has started, the conversation of husband and wife saying that “India ko lagta hai ke hum nahi jeetenge” to Ajay sir’s “Hisaab chahiye mujhe” – I had goosebumps after listening to every dialogue. I felt that I am attached to this story.”

“My walida (Fazeel’s mother and Rahim’s daughter) always used to tell me that Rahim used to speak very less, but his eyes would express many things. I must say that you have got the right person, Ajay sir, to portray my grandfather’s role, he is without doubt a class actor. I think he is like an acting institute himself; the way he carried my grandfather’s role – from walking to smoking, his intensity, the way he carried the bag. It was so good! I feel we will get emotional after watching the film. There are a lot of emotions, we are nervous, happy and excited at the same time. This is going to be the biggest Eid gift for us and we are counting the days. Thanks to Boney Kapoor sir for making this movie on such a grand scale. No doubt he is a class producer. They are the Kapoors and film making is in their blood, which shows in each and every scene of ‘Maidaan’ in the trailer,” Fazeel added.

He further said, “I have always liked Boney, when I met them four years back, they brought my grandfather back to life on the silver screen. He had said that the entire world will watch this film. Rahim saab will get his due. By God’s grace, the day of release is coming closer. The entire nation wants to see this film. The movie is looking so realistic; in fact, I felt like whistling and after listening to the dialogues as I had become so emotional! The entire Rahim family is proud of this film.”

Continuing further, an emotional Fazeel said, “I am very emotional while speaking because Boney ji is bringing my grandfather’s story in front of the world, we couldn’t have asked for more. People will get to see Rahim sahab’s journey and get to know about him. I am happy that they trusted this story and made sure that Ajay sir plays this role. He reminded me of my grandfather. We are looking forward to the film and meeting the star cast. I am sure this movie will do well.”