Boney Kapoor’s long-awaited movie, “Maidaan,” featuring Ajay Devgn, is finally hitting theaters on April 10, 2024. However, just before its release, a vendor has accused Kapoor of not paying nearly Rs. 1 crore in dues. Ninad Nayampally from Meherafrin Investments Private Limited filed a case against Kapoor and other producers, seeking an injunction to stop the movie’s release until the dues are settled. Nayampally supplied camera equipment to the movie unit, and while invoices were initially settled, payments ceased in December 2020. Despite assurances from Kapoor, the dues remained unpaid, leading the vendor to take legal action.
In one of the recent interviews and shared screenshots of WhatsApp conversations dating back to July 2023, Nayampally highlighted the vendor’s attempts to communicate with Boney Kapoor regarding payment, which went unanswered. Kapoor, however, addressed the allegations, stating that a significant portion of the bill had been settled, with the remaining balance to be paid after the movie’s release. He talked about his track record of fulfilling financial obligations, citing past instances during the release of the film “No Entry.”
Despite the controversy, “Maidaan” remains highly anticipated, depicting the story of legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim’s efforts to promote the sport in India. Meanwhile, Boney Kapoor defended himself against the accusations, asserting his integrity and longevity in the industry. He suggested that the vendor’s claims were for publicity and reiterated his commitment to settling the outstanding dues.
As the release date approaches, the dispute adds a layer of intrigue to the film’s narrative, drawing attention to both its cinematic qualities and the challenges faced during its production. Whether the legal issue affects the movie’s performance at the box office remains to be seen.
