‘Main Hun Shahid Afridi’ – Pakistan’s very own cricket-based film

Cricket and cinema are two of the favourite pastimes of people in the subcontinent, and the success of films like ‘Lagaan’ proves that. The trend is being replicated in Paksitan 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 said, “It’s for the first time in the history of Pakistani films that that a sports movie will be directed, produced and shot here.” 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 but the message is that people 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 percent 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) has provided us the proper facilities and coaches to train the cast for the movie.” 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 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: “We had approached Shahid 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.” Are there any plans to rope in international cricketers for the film? Says Humayun, “Why not? 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.” 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. 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,” says Humayun.