Maidaan

“Maidaan” (transl. Field) is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film co-written and directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma. The movie is produced by Akash Chawla, Arunava Joy Sengupta, Boney Kapoor, and Zee Studios.

Ajay Devgn stars as Syed Abdul Rahim, a pioneering football coach in India from 1952 to 1962. The film chronicles Rahim’s significant contributions to Indian football and his efforts in transforming the sport during that era.

Maidaan Movie Trailer

Maidaan Movie Storyline

At the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, the Indian national football team suffers a major defeat against Yugoslavia with a score of 10-1. The All India Football Federation members blame coach Syed Abdul Rahim for the team’s poor performance. Rahim requests permission to form a new team with fresh players. Though the federation members are hesitant, particularly Subhankar, President Anjan supports Rahim and grants permission. Rahim scouts players across India, forming a new team with talents like Tulsidas Balaram from Secunderabad, Peter Thangaraj from Hyderabad, and P. K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami from Calcutta. Roy Choudhary, an influential journalist from Calcutta, holds a grudge against Rahim for selecting fewer players from Calcutta. At a party for the new team, Rahim and Roy Choudhary have a bitter exchange, humiliating each other.

At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the Indian team faces Australia. An Australian player disrespects Neville D’Souza, making him tie his shoes. D’Souza scores a hat-trick, leading India to a 7-1 victory, shocking the Australian team. India eventually secures fourth place at the Olympics. Meanwhile, Roy Choudhary and Subhankar plot to remove Rahim from the federation, aiming to make Subhankar the President. At the 1960 Summer Olympics, India faces France, the world’s best team, and draws 1-1, failing to qualify. The federation removes Rahim, citing prolonged poor performance. Rahim discovers he has lung cancer from excessive smoking and is terminally ill.

Determined, Rahim spends his remaining days with his family, often suffering from coughing fits. His wife, Saira, encourages him to pursue his dream of winning a gold medal. Rahim requests to coach the team again, promising to step down permanently if they don’t win. Subhankar, now President, initially refuses but relents as other federation members support Rahim, given the team’s poor performance since his departure.

Rahim begins coaching again, preparing the team for the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. However, the Finance Ministry denies funds for participation. Rahim personally persuades Finance Minister Morarji Desai, who agrees on the condition that only select players will attend. Rahim agrees, choosing the best 16 players and excluding his son Hakim.

Before their first match, goalkeeper Thangaraj is injured and replaced by Pradyut Barman, weakening the team. India loses their first match against South Korea, with teammates blaming each other. Rahim emphasizes the importance of teamwork and formation. In the next match against Thailand, Jarnail Singh is injured by an opponent. Rahim instructs the team to play aggressively, leading to a 4-1 victory. An Indian diplomat’s criticism of Israel and Taiwan’s exclusion from the competition sparks protests against the Indian team in Indonesia.

On the final match day against South Korea, the team bus is attacked by protesters, requiring military protection. Despite deteriorating health and coughing up blood, Rahim delivers an inspiring speech. Roy Choudhary, moved by Rahim’s determination, starts supporting the team. Thangaraj and Singh rejoin for the match. The Indian team wins 2-1, securing the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Box Office

Gross worldwide

• $371,226

Technical Space

• Runtime3 hours 1 minute
• Color
  • Color
  • Black and White
• Sound mix
  • Dolby Digital
  • IMAX 6-Track

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