A Pakistani film "inspired by the fairytale career" of cricket player SHAHID AFRIDI "goes on release next month, a heart-warming tale of raw talent that producers believe will be a smash hit," according to the AFP. "Main houn Afridi" or "I am Afridi" is about a young boy who dreams of becoming a great cricket star and chronicles the ordeal he faces en route to playing like his idol.
Producer HUMAYUN SAEED, a top actor in Pakistan, "initially persuaded Afridi to take the lead role," but the 33-year-old said that it violated the traditions of his tribe on the Afghan border. Saeed said that the film, which cost around $1M to make, "will be released in Pakistan for the Muslim festival Eid, as well as in the Gulf and in India." Saeed said, "It's an underdog story which centres on the game of cricket. It's all about wealthy versus poor, who both try to make a name in cricket but the passion of the poor wins the day." The cast will include JAVED SHEIKH, NADEEM BAIG, SHAFQAT CHEEMA, Saeed and MAHNOOR BALOCH. The lead is played by NOMAN HABIB, a young boy from Karachi (AFP, 7/8).
