Boney Kapoor Reveals ‘Maidaan’ Budget Soared from Rs. 120 Cr to Rs. 210 Cr
Boney Kapoor’s highly anticipated film “Maidaan,” featuring Ajay Devgn, has finally hit theaters after enduring significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite receiving widespread praise from critics, the film struggled to make an impact at the box office. In a candid interview with Komal Nahta, Kapoor discussed the financial challenges he faced during production and his commitment to paying all vendors involved in the project, despite incurring substantial losses.
Financial Struggles and Vendor Payments
Boney Kapoor revealed that the original budget for “Maidaan” was set at ₹120 crores, but due to extensive delays caused by the pandemic, the costs ballooned to ₹210 crores. In his interview, he emphasized his dedication to fulfilling financial obligations to all vendors, stating, “If the film didn’t work, how are the vendors to blame?” He recounted how some vendors had to wait for years to receive their payments, and he felt it was essential to honor those debts. Kapoor shared that he borrowed money to ensure that everyone was compensated, even when some vendors willingly reduced their fees by 10-15% due to the film’s struggles. His commitment to transparency and accountability has been a cornerstone of his professional ethos.
Challenges During Production
The production of “Maidaan” faced numerous hurdles, primarily due to the pandemic. Kapoor noted that 70% of the filming was completed by January 2020, with plans to shoot match sequences starting March 22. However, the onset of COVID-19 led to unforeseen delays, with the shoot being stalled for over four years. Kapoor described the logistical challenges, including the need to keep a large crew on standby and the impact of a cyclone that damaged the set. He explained that the production team had to adapt to strict health protocols, which included providing separate meals for the crew and ensuring safe drinking water for foreign actors.
Innovative Solutions Amidst Adversity
To navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, Kapoor implemented several innovative solutions. He arranged for food from Taj Flight Kitchens and ensured that safety measures were in place for the cast and crew. With restrictions on gatherings, meals were provided in individual packets, and special arrangements were made for refills. The production also faced difficulties in sourcing junior artists for crowd scenes, leading to the decision to film some sequences in Bangkok. Kapoor’s resourcefulness in managing these challenges highlights his commitment to delivering a quality film despite the odds.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks faced during the production of “Maidaan,” Boney Kapoor remains optimistic about the future. He believes that maintaining goodwill with vendors and collaborators has been crucial to his continued relevance in the industry. Kapoor’s dedication to honoring his commitments, even in the face of financial losses, reflects a deep sense of responsibility and integrity. As he moves forward, the lessons learned from this experience may shape his approach to future projects in the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood.
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