Will ‘Kaptaan’ hit a six?

FAZAL-UR-REHMAN

KARACHI: Kaptaan, a film based on Cricketer-turned-Politician Imran Khan’s life as a sportsman is scheduled for release this fall. A group of young independent filmmakers have undertaken the initiative of producing an independent feature film called Kaptaan, based on Imran Khan’s high-profile life following the end of his cricket career.
The story follows Imran Khan’s life post the world cup victory in 1992. It follows the events that have shaped his life. From being ridiculed in cricket to being labeled a playboy. From the tragic death of his mother, to his efforts and endeavors in building the first cancer hospital in Pakistan and being the first Chancellor of the University of Bradford. As Pakistan’s former captain, Imran stamped the cricket field with his talent. Years later, he is just as famous after transforming into a successful Politician and Social Activist.

Faisal Aman Khan, an independent filmmaker who is based in the UK, is directing the film. Naveed Anwar is the film’s Assistant Director and Screenwriter. Anwar, who has directed several short films, explained that the story centres on how Khan’s disappointment at Pakistan’s dismal state of affairs triggered him to enter the political arena.

Naveed Anwar said, “A big challenge before shooting the movie was the selection of the actor suitable for the protagonist’s role”. After numerous screen tests and auditions for the lead role, the team decided to pick local model Abdul Mannan, who has an uncanny resemblance to the cricketer.

Mannan is paired with Saeeda Imtiaz, a Pakistani-American Model based in New York, who is playing the role of Jemima Khan. Her role highlights the various challenges of living in Pakistan that Khan’s former wife faced and also highlights her complex relationship with the former cricket star. Imtiaz, who took nearly six months to prepare for her part said, “The way the movie is shot, the use of lighting and the fact that the filmmakers are young and full of ideas, will give the film a unique look”.

The film will be ready for distribution this fall but filmmakers are staying tight-lipped about the scheduled date of release. Currently, the plan for distribution is that it will get a theatre-wide release both in Pakistan and abroad.