By: Mishaal Manzoor

The much awaited movie ‘Main hoon Shahid Afridi’ is all set to hit the cinemas this Eid. This is a story of a boy (Noman Habib) who dreams of becoming a star like Shahid Afridi. He finds himself down on luck when the only club he ever knew goes bankrupt. With no place else to go he discovers one last chance to save his club, his town and his dream, a cricket tournament coming to Sialkot which may be the club's last hope. But they’re not ready yet. A team of misfits with no facility and no coach. Can they even qualify for the cup and face the highly skilled undefeated rivals who were born with a golden spoon in their mouths and every facility in their hands? With that question in mind they decide to take help from an ex cricketer Akbar Deen (Humayun Saeed), but Akbar has a dark past of his own. When fates collide and mysteries unfold, "Main Hoon Shahid Afridi" embarks on a journey of mistrust, betrayal, love power and unfulfilled dreams. This is a second movie made on cricket. First was made on Imran khan titled ‘Kaptaan’ but it was never released. A lot of hype has been built about this movie. Fans of Shahid Afridi and general public are anxiously waiting for the release. The movie is being termed as a trend setter, considering that it is not a typical masala film that Lolly wood is well known for. The movie according to film pundits will bring positive change in the industry. It is hoped that after screening of this film, filmmakers would start making movies on different topics and not just on violence and romance.

Shahid Afridi has always been an inspiration for million and the movie will revolve around the fact and journey of a young guy .In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus Cricket Super star Shahid Afridi shared his views about the film ‘Main hoon Shahid Afridi’ being screened across Pakistan.

S+: What are your feelings about being the first sportsman of Pakistan on whom a feature film has been made?

It is just a story about a young boy; I’m not even a part of this film. It is not on my life. I told Humayun Saeed to make a film that would motivate and inspire the young generation to work for greater aims in life.

S+: Did the film makers discuss the project with you before starting it?

Yeah it was discussed with me. They told me they wanted to make a film that would inspire youth I told them it should give a positive message to the audience.

S+: You just made a world record for 400 sixes. It is a big achievement. How do you feel?

Yeah of course it is a big achievement doing something remarkable. It is definitely an honour for me and I’m glad I achieved this feat.

S+ We’ve seen you in action and a lot of aggression in the field. What keeps you calm in real life?

When you’re in the field people have a lot of expectations from you and there’s a lot of pressure. You have big responsibility on your shoulders as you’re representing your country. Off the field life is very different. I stay calm and happy. I enjoy my life; every day is a new day for me and I enjoy life to the fullest with my family.

S+: You’re an ideal for millions of youngsters, what would you like to say to them?

I would just wish them good luck with their lives and advise them to work hard and give their best to the work. Whichever field you chose for yourself, be it sports, business or even studies, it is very important to give 100 per cent of your effort. You should focus on your goals. Respect your elders and learn from their experiences.

S+: Your greatest inspiration?

There many people out there who’ve worked hard and achieved a lot in life. There are a lot of people from whom you are inspired, but my true inspiration is Imran Khan. He truly is someone whom I look up to. He is a role model for me.

Credits:

Cast:

Mahnoor Baloch – sara qureshi

Summer Nicks – Thomas J. nicks

Javed Shiekh – Mian Asif Qureshi

Humayun Saeed – Coach Akber

Nadeem Baig – Imam Deen

Noman Habib – Shahid Bhatti

Ainy Jaffri – Alina

Seemi Raheel – Shahid ‘s mother

Farhana Maqsood – Shahid’s sister

Shafqat cheema – Basheer Bhatti

Shehzad Sheikh – Mikaal Qureshi

Ainan Arif – Micheal aka. Magnet

Hamza Abbasi – Majeed aka. Maulvi

Gohar Rasheed – Kashif aka. Kaali andhi

Ismail Tara – Malik Khalid

Mohammad Ahmed -  Zuberi

Hashim Butt – Pepsi Official 2

Asim Mehmood – Shiekh aka. Deeware Teen

Produced by:   Shahzad Nasib and Humayun Saeed   Orignal Music:   Kami and Shani Cinematography by:   Asif khan Editing:   Asad Ali Zaidi

 

Production design:

Umer Gulzari

Art direction:

 Jari Khushnood Naqvi

Costume design:

Jazib Qamar

Makeup department:

Fayyaz Malik

Special thanks to- Shiekh Abdul Mateen