Main Hun Shahid Afridi', a Pakistani
film on a boy's struggle to become a cricketer, has the cricketer's support
Cricket and cinema are two of the
favourite pastimes of people in the subcontinent, and the success of films like
"Chak De! India" proves that. The trend is being replicated across
the border too - last year, Pakistan-born and UK-based filmmaker Faisal Aman
Khan made a film on the life of cricketer Imran Khan. And now, it's Pakistan's
former cricket skipper Shahid Afridi whose name - and possibly his cameo - will
be part of a Pakistani film on cricket.
The film, "Main Hun Shahid
Afridi", is being produced by Humayun Saeed and Shazad Nasib, and is, of
course, based on cricket. Pakistani actor-turned-producer Humayun tells us,
"It's for the first time in the history of Pakistani films that that a sports
movie will be directed, produced and shot here. It's about the youth of today
in Pakistan who would like to pursue a career in sports." But why is the
movie titled "Main Hun Shahid Afridi"? Says Humayun, "Today,
every young boy in Pakistan wants to become Shahid Afridi. The story of the
film basically revolves around the life of a young boy and his struggle to
become a cricketer. The story is very simple and uncomplicated, but the message
is that today's generation, who want to enter sports, should concentrate more on
their passion for the game rather than get into scandals and
controversies."
Humayun elaborates, "Almost 50%
of the shooting of the movie is done. We have shot the movie at some popular
stadiums in Sialkot, Islamabad and Karachi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
helped us a lot, providing proper facilities and experienced coaches to train
the cast for the movie. The cast had to go through rigorous training sessions
for a month before the shooting started. Also, well-known cricketers from the
Pakistan cricket team have given us their support."
The movie is being directed by Osama
Ali Raza and has been written by Wasay Chaudhary. "The lead is being
played by a 19-year-old boy called Noman Habib who is a talented actor and also
a professional cricketer. I shall also be part of the movie and will be playing
the role of a coach," adds Humayun.
Is Afridi acting in the movie? Says
Humayun, "Shahid is a good friend and he knows about the movie. We had
approached him to act in it, but he refused to do it, mainly due to family
pressure and religious reasons. However, we hope to convince him to make a
special appearance in the movie. We have just completed a photoshoot with
Shahid which will be used in the movie."
Are there any plans to rope in
international cricketers for the film? Says Humayun, "Why not? We would
love to have support from international cricketers. I have spoken to Shahid and
he has shown some interest in taking the conversation forward to some of his
cricketer friends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sangakkara. I think it'll be great
if they agree to do so."
Humayun also says that the film will
feature the T20 format, which will be introduced in Pakistan soon in the form
of the Pakistan Premier League. "The film is based on the new T20 format
and inspired by the IPL matches. But very soon, we shall see the same concept
and format being introduced in Pakistan at the PPL matches. The film will show
two teams - ek garib aur doosri ameer team," he says.
Well-known Pakistani singers Rahat
Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali have been roped in for two songs in the
movie. "We want to take the movie to the global audience and would also
try to organize a special screening for our audiences in India," says
Humayun.
No comments:
Post a Comment