Just like almost every Bollywood A-lister, Ajay Devgn has had a less than exciting phase except Drishyam 2 with all the films failing to live up to expectations both critically and commercially. His upcoming biographical drama which is the most ambitious project he has acted in post-pandemic has been facing constant delays since a very long time. The film was supposed to release on 27 November 2020 which was shifted to 11 December 2020 but was postponed to 13 August 2021 and then again to 15 October 2021, 17 February 2023, 12 May 2023 and finally 23 June 2023, which is today. The film did not see a release despite the film being listed for 23 June 2023 on BookMyShow and now the release date is completely uncertain with no new date in sight. It could have been a life-saver for Bollywood as Adipurush is struggling to earn post a bumper weekend and only Zara Hatke Zara Bachke could see some sort of a success this month.
As the reason for the constant delays is largely unknown, a source close to the film was quoted by a news portal saying "Maidaan is a very ambitious film. It is no ordinary sports film. It stars Ajay Devgn as the legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, and it features a series of authentic football match with real football players from all over the world participating in the shooting" The source added, "Amit Sharma invited football players from all across the world- Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand- to come and play in the matches for Maidaan. A series of matches were shot for Maidaan showing India playing football with different countries. The football matches were shot on an international scale. There is no compromise on quality."
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According to the source, the film will definitely be ready to release later this year and will be a milestone film for India in the sports genre and make the country proud. The genre has not seen any major release by the industry in recent times except 83 and Jersey, both of which tanked at the box office despite positive reception. Maidaan certainly looks at turning the tide. The film is backed by a talented crew with direction from Badhaai Ho fame Amit Sharma, music by the Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and lyrics by Manoj Muntahsir who recently worked on Adipurush. The first teaser of the film was released to rave reception on 30th March 2023, promising an inspiring sports drama based on the real story of the football coach Syed Abdul Rahim about the golden era of Indian football during 1952-1962 for the audience to enjoy on the big screen.