- “RAWALPINDI EXPRESS” finally gets a Green Signal!
- Film to be shot in UAE, Pakistan and Australia is expected to have a worldwide release on 16.11.2023.
Dubai, UAE: A much anticipated and extremely interesting biopic on Pakistan Cricket legend and world’s fastest bowler ‘Shoaib Akhtar’ has finally got a green signal. Dubai based filmmaker Faraz Qaiser and production house QFilm Productions are bringing this larger than life story of the famous cricketer to life. The film aptly titled ‘RAWALPINDI EXPRESS’ is derived from Shoaib Akhtar’s nickname in the cricketing world since he hails from Rawalpindi, Pakistan and is known to have delivered the fastest delivery. The film is set to have a worldwide release on 16.11.2023, a date set as an ode to the fastest ball ever bowled by the iconic speedster at the speed of 161.3 km/ph during a 2003 World Cup group match against England.
This is the first ever biopic being made on a bowler on such an international scale, shoot locations for which have been finalised in UAE, Pakistan and Australia.
Faraz Qaiser, Director of Rawalpindi Express, who has spent 5 years researching the extraordinary life journey of Shoaib Akhtar from a small town cricketer to an international superstar sportsperson, believes that what world knows about the legend is just the tip of the iceberg, in reality it’s a beautiful story of perseverance, struggle and passion that needs to be told.
“World knows Shoaib Akhtar for his lethal pace and toe crushing Yorkers, on field he has rattled some of the best batsmen. I have been ardent fan and follower of him since childhood and have a vivid memory of sitting on my father’s shoulder to catch the star in action. The idea to make a biopic came from my father and it actually seeped in my mind after I got inspired from Akhtar’ s journey that he described in one of the interview’s on TV. This project means everything to me, all my energies are focused on this film as I am sure that this is something different that we are trying to achieve. It’s a vision, a dream, a passionate tale that has grown every day in last 5 years.” Said Faraz
Faraz Qaiser is an extremely talented, creative and energetic personality; his work has been selected in various film festivals across the globe making him the youngest and experienced filmmaker in Middle East in just few years.
The star cast for the film is yet to be finalised, though it is expected to be bigger names from Pakistan and Western countries.
Adding further, Faraz Qaiser, said, “I met Mr. Shoaib Akhtar in Feb 2020 to present my idea along with my father Qaiser Nawaz who is also the writer of the film. After extensive discussions he finally agreed and gave us a go ahead on the project. He spent more than a week with us narrating his journey and it was fabulous to know him so up close and personal. We also got lot of inputs from people close to him who know him very well. We are really grateful towards everyone who has contributed in helping us realize our dream.”
Globally and in this cricket frenzy region, the film is expected to be a blockbuster as Rawalpindi Express enjoys huge fan following across the world.
