Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated movie Maidaan recently released its trailer, and some were quick to compare it to the iconic Chak De! India, which featured Shah Rukh Khan. However, director Amit Sharma clarified the upcoming movie stands on its own, distinct from its predecessor.
Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan not similar to Shah Rukh Khan’s Chak De! India, director clarifies
In the world of sports dramas, it’s not uncommon for audiences to draw comparisons between films with similar themes. Especially when they feature the inspiring journey of a coach and their team. Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film, Maidaan, directed by Amit Sharma, has been subject to such comparisons.
Addressing the parallels drawn between Maidaan and Chak De! India, director Amit Sharma swiftly dismantled any notion of similarity. “As soon as a sports film arrives, people compare these films because of the story of a coach and players. Even before watching the film, people assume that it’s a similar film,” Sharma stated in a recent interview.
Highlighting the disparities between the two films, Sharma pointed out, “There are no similarities between these films, except maybe 22 players are running after one ball on the field. The story is different, the struggle is different. This is also not a sports biopic, it’s the journey of Abdul Rahim. Maidaan is about his emotional journey. Football is just the medium.”
For those unfamiliar, Chak De! India, directed by Shimit Amin, depicted Shah Rukh Khan as the coach of the women’s national hockey team. Through several wears and tears, Khan and his team emerged as winners. Now, the film is lauded as a cult classic.
Chak De! India captured the fervor of the women’s national hockey team under the guidance of Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Kabir Khan. Meanwhile, Maidaan delves into the untold story of Syed Abdul Rahim’s efforts to uplift Indian football on the global stage.
The film is slated to release on April 10, 2024.
