Gohar Rasheed of Maula Jatt fame plays the lead in the Shoaib Akhtar biopic
UAE-based Q Film Productions has announced the successful completion of the shooting phase of their biopic Rawalpindi Express based on the life of Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar. The makers also unveiled an intense cinematic teaser, offering a glimpse of the star-studded cast.
Kafeel Anwar, producer of ‘Rawalpindi Express’ and Managing Director of Q Film Productions, remarked, “Completing the production of this film was not an easy task. When you are producing a film about a legend as big as Shoaib Akhtar, the margin for error is zero. We were fortunate to build a dedicated team in Pakistan that worked tirelessly to bring it to completion. Shoaib Akhtar is a larger-than-life personality with a worldwide fan base, so we had to ensure that we got it right.” Regarding the film’s release, Anwar stated that it will be available internationally later this year.
The Shoaib Akhtar biopic features an exceptional ensemble cast, with Mirza Gohar Rasheed, renowned for his role in ‘Maula Jatt,’ in the lead. Other distinguished actors include Iron Man famed Pakistani-Hollywood actor Faran Tahir, the legendary Salman Shahid, veteran actor Usman Pirzada, Saleem Mairaj, a notable figure in Pakistani cinema; Rabita Ali, making her feature film debut; Adnan Shah Tipu, and Rahim Pardesi, known for his versatility as a YouTuber, singer, actor, and host. Collectively, this exceptional cast forms the core of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ biopic, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Faraz Qaiser, the director of ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ shares his excitement, stating, “Completing the shooting of our dream project – Rawalpindi Express – fills me with both thrill and satisfaction. Crafting a biopic is a true filmmaker’s challenge. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Shoaib Akhtar, who personally recounted his life story and adversities. As the movie’s director, I shouldered the immense responsibility of translating his narrative into a compelling cinematic journey. I firmly believe we’ve achieved that goal. The ultimate verdict, however, rests with the audience.”
“It was an enormous undertaking, spanning a comprehensive 68 days of filming, involving a team of over 250 individuals comprising the cast and crew. This endeavor also marked a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to direct some of the most exceptional talents from the international and Pakistani film industry. Every actor delivered precisely what we envisioned for the film,” Faraz elaborated.
The movie ‘Rawalpindi Express’ is set to capture the incredible journey of the cricketing legend. The film aptly derives its title from Shoaib Akhtar’s nickname in the cricketing world, paying homage to his roots in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Notably, Shoaib Akhtar’s world-record-breaking feat of bowling the fastest ball at 161.3 km/h during a 2003 World Cup group match against England further intensifies the anticipation surrounding this cinematic tribute.