India, Nov. 8 -- Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has responded to the row over the shoot of Ranveer Singh-starrer Pralay at Azad Maidan, saying the team had secured the required permissions before the shoot. The controversy began after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) raised objections to the six-hour shoot, claiming it forced the postponement of inter-school cricket matches. They questioned why a ground used by young cricketers was made available for a commercial film shoot. Speaking to us, Mehta says, "Our shoot at Azad Maidan was fully permitted. We have requisite permission letters from police department and sports department, and an acknowledgement of the same from MCA." Lamenting the issues of shooting in Mumbai, the filmmaker adds, "While Mumbai is the home of Indian cinema, it has become the most unfriendly city to shoot in. A single location needs clearances from multiple departments, each with its own process, delays and power to stop a shoot. Even with all permissions, you are treated as if you are trespassing." Mehta contrasts the situation with conditions in other states, where he claims film crews are welcomed with open arms. "They understand that a shoot brings jobs, business and visibility. Here, we are met with obstruction. This is why so many of us now prefer to shoot outside Mumbai," he says. However, the filmmaker insists that he is a "proud Mumbaikar" and would continue to shoot in the city. "I have worked in this city for over three decades. I love it and I want to keep telling its stories here," he says, adding, "But filmmakers will go where they are allowed to work. If Mumbai wants to remain the centre of this industry, it has to stop treating its own filmmakers as a nuisance.We follow every rule no matter how complicated or difficult it may be. We simply seek the cooperation of the authorities and a much needed lack of mistrust in doing so."...