PremiumDid you know Amit Sharma had pretty much doubts on Ajay Devgn for Syed Abdul Rahim's role in Maidaan? THIS is how he Cleared confusion
Maidaan, the incredible biography of football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, is all set to release on April 10, 2024, in theatres
Still from Maidaan
Last Updated: 09.26 PM, Mar 26, 2024
Biographies have always been one of the most nostalgic genres in the Indian film industry. Whether it's The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Sarbjit (2016), Neerja (2016), Super 30 (2019), Shakuntala Devi (2020), Shershaah (2021), or Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022), each one of them has created history with their emotional journey. However, sports biographies are also not behind in creating evolution. For example let's take M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, or Mary Kom, or Saina, or even Sachin: A Billion Dreams, all have garnered immense appreciation from the Indian audience.
How director Amit Sharma cleared his confusion?
Another sports biography is coming soon next month. The incredible tale of football legend Syed Abdul Rahim will be brought to the world by Ajay Devgn. The film Maidaan is all set to release on April 10, 2024, in the theatres worldwide. Devgn will be seen in the titular role of Rahim. But before its release, we got to learn some surprising secrets from the director Amit Sharma himself. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Sharma spilled that he had pretty much doubts on Devgn for casting him.
ALSO READ: ‘No Singham, only Syed’ - Filmmaker Amit Sharma reveals what he said to Ajay Devgn on Maidaan sets
The Badhaai Ho-director stated that he never thought Ajay Devgn could play Syed Abdul Rahim's character, because he has this idea that Devgn is only suitable for Singham films. According to Sharma, those rowdy, loud, troublemaking characters suit him the best. But when it comes to a character like Syed Abdul Rahim, it takes a lot of patience, submissiveness, and flexibility. However, Sharma also said that he is still surprised to watch the 54-year-old actor literally slay the role.
How Amit Sharma prepared for Maidaan?
While talking about Syed Abdul Rahim, the director revealed that it took him a lot of work to research about the legend before making the film. He had to spend hours talking to legendary players like - P. K. Banerjee, Tulsidas Balaram, Rahim’s son Syed Shahid Hakim and Chuni Goswami. Sharma further shared that he had to learn how Rahim used to talk, how his behaviour was, how he used to manage players, and many more.
Did you know even after hearing that he will be having very less dialogues in the film, Ajay Devgn still signed the project? Yes, that's what Amit Sharma revealed. He shared that the Drishyam-actor did even think twice to read the script and approve it. He was very excited to do the biography, which actually impressed Sharma.
About Syed Abdul Rahim
Maidaan revolves around the life and journey of a legendary Indian football coach and manager, Syed Abdul Rahim. Popularly known as Rahim Saab, he is the architect of modern Indian football. Rahim took his last breath in 1963, after battling with cancer for several years.