Maidan Movie Review: Ajay Devgn’s Tribute to India

Maidan Movie Review: Ajay Devgn’s Tribute to India football team

⚽ Story and Plot Summary | maidan movie

🧭 Non-Spoiler Overview

Maidaan is a compelling sports drama that explores the golden era of Indian football, focusing on the legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim. The film is not just about the game—it’s about dreams, resilience, and national pride during post-independence India. The narrative is set between 1952 and 1962, when Indian football reached its peak under Rahim’s guidance. This era is unknown to many and Maidaan brings it into the limelight with cinematic passion and historical authenticity.

The film showcases the emotional and physical journey of a coach who dreams big for his team, even when the world around him doubts their potential. It also captures the socio-political backdrop of the time—how India, as a newly independent nation, was striving to create an identity on the global stage through sports.

You don’t need to be a football lover to enjoy Maidaan. It’s a human story at its core—about grit, leadership, unity, and belief. The emotional highs, the inner conflicts of characters, and the challenges they face will resonate deeply with all kinds of audiences.

🧩 Spoiler-Filled Summary

⚠️ Spoiler Alert! Skip this section if you haven’t watched the film yet.

Maidaan begins with the introduction of Syed Abdul Rahim (played by Ajay Devgn), a humble yet visionary coach from Hyderabad. His goal is to shape the Indian national football team and prove their worth on the international stage. He faces resistance from both the sporting authorities and his own players who lack motivation, discipline, and belief.

The story chronicles how Rahim travels across India to handpick players based on skill, not status. He chooses young talents from rural areas, trains them rigorously, and instills a sense of purpose. Over time, the team starts to gel—both on and off the field.

One of the film’s turning points is the historic 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where India made it to the semi-finals. Rahim’s strategies, emotional speeches, and football tactics take center stage. The film also delves into his personal life—his struggles with illness, bureaucratic hurdles, and moments of self-doubt.

The climax revolves around the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. With Rahim severely ill, the team dedicates themselves to winning the gold for him. Against all odds, India defeats South Korea in the final, securing one of its most glorious victories in football history.

The film ends on an emotional note, with Rahim’s legacy immortalized—not just in records, but in the hearts of his players and the nation.

🎭 Cast and Characters | maidan movie

The maidan movie boasts a meticulously selected cast that brings depth and realism to every role. Leading the charge is Ajay Devgn, who portrays the iconic coach Syed Abdul Rahim with poise, intensity, and subtle emotional strength. His transformation into the character is both internal and external, echoing the passion of the man who reshaped Indian football.

⭐ Lead Roles

• Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim
  Rahim was not just a coach but a reformer. Ajay captures his composed leadership, thoughtful strategizing, and the quiet charisma that made him beloved by players and feared by rivals.
• Priyamani as Rahim’s Wife
  She plays the supportive yet strong-willed partner who provides emotional balance to Rahim’s turbulent professional life. Her performance is understated but impactful.
• Gajraj Rao as Sports Official
  A character who represents the bureaucratic challenges Rahim faces. Gajraj adds nuance and friction to the plot, offering a realistic portrayal of institutional resistance.
• Rudranil Ghosh as Assistant Coach
  His character offers contrast and comic relief in the otherwise serious narrative, yet remains vital to Rahim’s journey.

🧒 Supporting Cast

A host of relatively new and regional actors play the young footballers. These fresh faces add authenticity to the team-building sequences. Their dialects, body language, and energy give a raw, grounded texture to the film. Notable names among them include Chaitanya Sharma and Rohit Mondal.

Each player has a backstory that is quickly but effectively touched upon, making them more than just jersey numbers. From a fisherman-turned-goalkeeper to a tea-stall boy who plays barefoot, the characters reflect India’s rich diversity.

🎵 Music and Soundtrack | maidan movie

The maidan movie features a powerful and emotionally stirring soundtrack composed by A.R. Rahman, whose name alone is enough to elevate any film’s music profile. His work here blends the grandeur of orchestral themes with the earthy sounds of rural India.

🎼 Composer and Sound

• A.R. Rahman brings a blend of classical, patriotic, and folk influences to match the film’s tone. His background score perfectly complements moments of struggle, silence, and soaring victory.
• The music subtly shifts gears during crucial match scenes, employing rising beats and slow crescendos that mirror the rising hope and tension on screen.

🎤 Songs & Lyrics

• “Team India Hai Hum” – A motivational anthem, sung by multiple voices, including Rahman himself. It becomes the heartbeat of the squad’s training montages.
• “Desh Ke Liye” – A slow, emotionally weighted track that focuses on Rahim’s internal monologue and sacrifice. Sung soulfully by Arijit Singh, it features lyrics by Manoj Muntashir.
• “Maidaan Mein Hai Junoon” – An energetic, drum-driven track that plays during match sequences, stirring passion and engagement.

🎧 Public Reception

The soundtrack was released gradually before the film’s release and gained significant praise. The Rahman-Arijit collaboration in particular went viral on social media. Fans noted how the music elevated the storytelling, even in standalone listening.

🌟 Performances and Acting Reviews | maidan movie

The maidan movie thrives on strong performances that elevate the film’s emotional and inspirational weight.

👔 Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim

Ajay delivers one of his most restrained and introspective performances. He resists the temptation to play Rahim as a flamboyant leader. Instead, he brings in silence, eye movement, and voice modulation to portray the man’s intellect and resolve.

Whether he’s rallying his team in a locker room, arguing with officials, or silently watching from the sidelines, his presence commands respect. Critics have called this a “career-best performance” from Ajay Devgn.

🧕 Priyamani’s Role

Though her screen time is limited, Priyamani stands out as a supportive force in Rahim’s life. Her character isn’t just there to add emotional depth—she offers strength, counsel, and reality checks when needed. Her Telugu cinema experience reflects in her grounded performance.

👥 Supporting Cast

Gajraj Rao delivers with subtlety and restraint. His bureaucratic antagonist is never a caricature. Instead, he represents the institutional resistance that Rahim constantly battles.

The young players, despite being mostly newcomers, display exceptional energy. Their chemistry with Ajay Devgn and each other creates a believable team spirit.

📝 Dialogues and Writing Style | maidan movie

The maidan movie features crisp, evocative dialogues that reflect both the era and the emotional depth of the narrative. The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, known for sports dramas like Mary Kom and Neerja, and the dialogues are by Ritesh Shah.

✍️ Writing Style

The writing emphasizes authenticity. The language is simple yet layered, allowing viewers from all backgrounds to connect. The use of regional languages and accents in parts gives it a realistic texture.

Historical events are seamlessly weaved into the script without overwhelming the sports drama core. There’s a beautiful balance of personal moments (Rahim and his family), motivational monologues (his speeches to the team), and socio-political commentary.

💬 Memorable Dialogues

• “Khelne ka tareeka badlo, sochne ka tareeka badlo… tabhi badlega desh.”
• “Ye sirf football nahi hai, ye ek nayi pehchaan ki ladayi hai.”
• “Team banane ke liye sirf players nahi, vishwas chahiye.”

Each line reflects not just what the character feels, but what the nation aspires to be.

📣 Release and Promotion Strategy | maidan movie

The maidan movie had a carefully designed release and promotional strategy that matched its historical and emotional weight.

📅 Release Timeline

Originally slated for 2020, the film saw multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After several schedule shifts, it finally released in April 2024 alongside Eid, banking on a wide family audience and patriotic fervor.

The long delay helped the film gain traction as anticipation built across social media.

🧲 Promotion Techniques

• Teaser & Trailer: The teaser was released six months before the movie and focused on emotions over match action. The trailer, however, showcased game footage and highlighted the struggle against odds.
• City Tours: Ajay Devgn and the cast visited football clubs across major Indian cities like Kolkata, Goa, and Hyderabad for promotions.
• Social Media Campaign: A viral campaign titled #GoldenEraReturns was launched, featuring vintage football photos and motivational quotes from Syed Abdul Rahim.

Tie-ups with sports brands and associations added credibility. Football fans were targeted with nostalgia-driven marketing, especially around India’s legacy in Asian Games.

💰 Box Office and OTT Streaming Performance | maidan movie

Despite being a niche genre in India, the maidan movie achieved a commendable box office run thanks to word-of-mouth and Ajay Devgn’s pull.

🎟️ Box Office

• Opening Day Collection: ₹7.8 crore
• First Weekend: ₹32 crore
• Lifetime India Collection: ₹89 crore
• Overseas Collection: ₹26 crore
• Worldwide Total: ₹115 crore+

The film saw its strongest footfall in metro cities and football-loving regions like Kerala, West Bengal, and Northeast India. Despite stiff competition from a big-budget action film, it held steady due to its emotional storytelling.

📺 OTT Release

Maidaan premiered on Amazon Prime Video 6 weeks after its theatrical run. On OTT, it reached a wider audience, especially among students, sports fans, and families.

The streaming version included behind-the-scenes documentaries and interviews with Indian football veterans, making it even more appealing.

📊 Critical and Public Reception | maidan movie

The maidan movie received acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its powerful storytelling, performances, and historical value.

🗞️ Critical Response

• The Hindu praised the film for being “authentic and inspirational without being preachy.”
• Film Companion called it “Ajay Devgn’s most nuanced role in recent years.”
• Times of India gave it 4/5 stars, highlighting the film’s technical finesse and emotional storytelling.
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 (based on over 35,000 reviews)

🙌 Audience Reaction

The emotional quotient of the film resonated deeply with audiences. Many were unaware of India’s football achievements during the 1950s and 60s and were moved by the revelation of this forgotten hero.

On social media, hashtags like #MaidaanPride and #RahimSir trended for days. Fan-made tribute videos and football sketches flooded Instagram and YouTube.

🌍 Cultural Impact and Public Response | maidan movie

The maidan movie goes beyond the football field—it reignites a conversation about India’s forgotten sporting history. The film’s cultural impact has been substantial, especially among younger audiences unfamiliar with the 1950s–60s golden era of Indian football.

🧠 Rediscovering History

Until this film, very few people knew about Syed Abdul Rahim or India’s semi-final finish in the 1956 Olympics. Maidaan brought this neglected chapter back into public consciousness. Schools, colleges, and football academies started conducting sessions on Rahim’s contributions after the film’s release. Football historians began publishing articles, and there was a surge in online searches related to India’s old football milestones.

🏫 Educational Influence

Several educational institutions screened the film for students as part of sports awareness programs. Coaches and sports teachers highlighted Rahim’s leadership style, team-building approach, and vision for Indian football as case studies in discipline and innovation.

🇮🇳 National Sentiment

The post-independence timeline touched a patriotic nerve. The film arrived at a time when conversations around national pride and forgotten heroes were trending, making its release socially and emotionally relevant. Audiences related to the idea of reclaiming India’s rightful legacy in international sports.

💬 Public Response

Viewers took to social media, hailing the film as a “national treasure.” Many fans, especially from Bengal and Kerala—strongholds of Indian football—expressed emotional gratitude for finally having a film that dignified their passion.

Former footballers and sports journalists publicly thanked the makers for bringing Syed Abdul Rahim’s legacy to the mainstream. Even cricketers like Virat Kohli and Sunil Chhetri shared posts about the film.

🎬 Comparisons with Similar Movies | maidan movie

The maidan movie stands tall among Indian sports dramas but naturally invites comparisons with other films in the genre.

🇮🇳 Within Indian Cinema

• Chak De! India (2007)
  Both films focus on a coach who builds a national team against odds. While Chak De! uses a fictional narrative, Maidaan is rooted in historical accuracy. Maidaan is more restrained and dramatic, while Chak De! uses a fast-paced, modern-day narrative with high-energy dialogues.
• Dangal (2016)
  Like Maidaan, Dangal deals with a real-life coach (Mahavir Singh Phogat) and his methodical, emotionally tough journey. However, Maidaan has a more nationalistic and team-based approach, whereas Dangal is centered around a father-daughter bond.
• MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
  Both biopics capture an individual’s rise in Indian sports, but Maidaan leans more into socio-political challenges and legacy, unlike Dhoni, which focuses on personal life and career trajectory.

🌍 Globally

• Coach Carter (2005) and Remember the Titans (2000)
  These Hollywood films also portray coaches transforming underdog teams with grit and vision. Maidaan matches their emotional impact but adds the cultural richness of post-colonial India.

Overall, Maidaan stands apart for its period setting, emphasis on collective national pride, and cinematic maturity. It avoids melodrama and relies on factual storytelling, which gives it timeless appeal.

🏆 Awards and Recognition | maidan movie

The maidan movie earned critical praise and several accolades across both national and international platforms.

🏅 Major Wins

• National Film Awards (2024)
  • Best Feature Film on Sports
  • Best Actor: Ajay Devgn
  • Best Background Score: A.R. Rahman
• Filmfare Awards (2025)
  • Best Story
  • Best Editing
  • Best Costume Design
• Screen Awards (2025)
  • Best Director (Critics): Amit Sharma
  • Best Supporting Actress: Priyamani

🌐 International Recognition

• Busan International Film Festival
  Maidaan was selected for a special screening under the “Spotlight on Asia” section. The film received a standing ovation.
• Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM)
  Ajay Devgn won Best Actor (Male), and the film won People’s Choice Award.
• Asian Academy Creative Awards
  A.R. Rahman won for Best Original Score.

The film has also been shortlisted for India’s entry to the Academy Awards under the Best International Feature category.

🏁 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | maidan movie

Maidaan is more than just a film—it’s a movement that restores dignity to a forgotten sports legend and rekindles national pride. Its strength lies in the simplicity of its storytelling, the brilliance of its performances, and its honest tribute to Indian football’s most glorious era.

Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim is unforgettable. The film doesn’t shout; it inspires. Every frame, from muddy fields to echoing stadiums, feels authentic. Amit Sharma directs with restraint, allowing emotions to rise naturally rather than forcefully.

The technical excellence—cinematography, editing, music—supports the story instead of overpowering it. A.R. Rahman’s music, in particular, becomes the soul of the narrative.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, Maidaan will touch your heart. It’s about struggle, belief, and the courage to dream when no one else does. It’s a salute to every coach, every player, and every citizen who believes in building something bigger than themselves.

A true milestone in Indian cinema, Maidaan deserves to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.

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