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Movie on Imran Khan: Will ‘Kaptaan’ hit a sixer?
The film aims to capture Imran Khan’s life post-cricket.
The movie explores the experiences of a man who dedicates his life to the country while also dealing with personal and spiritual anguish. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY
LAHORE:
A group of young independent filmmakers has 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.
As Pakistan’s former captain or Kaptaan, Khan stamped the cricket field with his talent and charisma. Years later, he is just as famous after transforming into a successful politician and social activist. The movie based on the former cricket star’s life, which is still in post-production phase, explores the experiences of a man who dedicates his life to his country while also struggling with personal and spiritual anguish.
Faisal Aman Khan, an independent filmmaker who is based in the UK, is directing the film. Aman Khan admitted that he had the idea of making this movie two years ago after he graduated from film school. According to his colleagues, Faisal met Khan several times during the research phase of the project to get his endorsement.
“Imran Khan was reluctant at first and claimed that it was more important to focus on other aspects of the country, Faisal’s persistence finally paid in ultimately convincing him,” said Naveed Anwar, the film’s assistant director and screenwriter. “We wanted to make a film that would project the positive side of Pakistan. It was hard as there are very few personalities in Pakistan that have a global appeal.”
Anwar, who has directed several short films, explained that the story centers on how Khan’s disappointment at Pakistan’s dismal state of affairs triggered him to enter the political arena. He also juxtaposes Khan’s struggle for Pakistan’s future with that of Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s.
The film also recreates scenes of major incidents such as his arrest at Punjab University in Lahore, his hunger strike while in jail and then certain intimate scenes with his ex-wife, Jemima Khan.
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. Anwar said that it was especially difficult to find someone who could play Khan’s part, since there were very few people who match the physical features and demeanour of the 1992 World Cup captain.
Mannan, who is not an avid follower of Pakistani politics due to its dismal state, said that he had to study various video clips of the cricketer-turned-politician to do justice to the role. He claimed that the film provided inspiration and would make people realise the state of the country and hence take more interest in its affairs. “There have been films such as Jinnah and Gandhi, this is another inspiring story of a nation’s hero,” said Mannan. “There are things people forget about him.”
Mannan is paired with Saeeda Imtiaz, a Pakistani-American model based in New York, who is playing Jemima Khan’s role. 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, says “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,” said Imtiaz.
Insiders claim that the film will be ready for distribution this fall but are staying tight-lipped about the scheduled date for the release. Currently, the plan for distribution is that it will get a theatre-wide release in Pakistan and abroad as well. Over 107 actors have been used for the movie and the production team includes 12 people.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2011.
Reader Comments (104)
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whatever. no one can even come close to matching imran khan’s sex appeal since he is the hottest paki who has ever lived!Recommend
Kudos to Faisal Aman Khan & Co. I hope the movie as well as the political struggle of the ‘Kaptaan’ meet huge success! Imran Khan is our only option right now to save Pakistan. Recommend
A group of young independent filmmakers has undertaken the initiative
Recommend
Best wishes for the new Film Producer. I would like to see this movie big success. I had one question related, but as Imran permitted the guy to produce a movie on him, then surely it will be free of false political allegations and conspiraciesRecommend
I’m glad that after Jinnah we are going to acknowledge someone like Imran Khan. I just cant wait for the release.Recommend
Who will play the role of Sita White?Recommend
This is the best idea for our last hope Imran Khan to inspire him more and people of pakistan. I am fully sure Imran Khan will bring Pakistan out of much of trouble that we are in. Pakistani land is in desprate need of a new Leader full with ideas and love for its nation. We saw Zardari,Nawaz and pervaz they are all money grabbers. if they stay little longer pakistan won’t be there.Recommend
Imran Khan as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. InshaAllah!Recommend
Imran Khan future primeminister of Pakistan. Word.Recommend
Could’ve come up with a better title for the movie – but then again we pakistanis arent exactly creative with names etc. Wonder what inspired these young boys – hope it aint the boys at aabpara lol. Damn gotta keep looking over my shoulders now lolRecommend
His goals to improve Pakistan may be heroic but he’s just a populist and terrorist sympathizer. No movie is going to change that.Recommend
great leader!!!!Recommend
Rock On Lollywood!!Recommend
If this movie is about Imran’s cricket and his hospital, it will be a hit..If its about his politics, then it will be a big flop like his political career.Recommend
lolz!!!!!!!!! there will be some jealous comments for sure!!!!!!!! ha ha ha,,,, GO I.K!!!!!!!!!!!! Recommend
@Sameer:
lolz!!! Will any one make a movie on zardari or musharraf or any other political ??? they are “liberals” and not the terrorist sympathizer!!!! and u should also call US and it’s allies “terrorist sympathizer”, because they are holding dialog in afghanistan!!!! lolz……jealous…. Go IK!!! Recommend
Looks like some MQM supporters have made it to this page and are angry that no movie is being made on Altaf Hussain. You know we were all trying to make a movie on Altaf Hussain, but we couldn’t find any Pakistani who looks like Altaf Hussain, maybe we will go to Africa to find someone who looks like Altaf Hussain and can play his role.Recommend
@Nadeem Ahmed:
lolz…. talking about “political career”, i think one should consider to make a movie on our present corrupt rulers, who have somehow succeeded in their political career!!!! lolzRecommend
Imran Khan = The Quaid-i-Azam of Today’s Pakistan.Recommend
@Sameer. He is not a terrorist sympathizer, he is a Pakistani sympathizer. If a foreign army dropped a bomb on your house killing your wife, children, and your mother would you just sit quiet and support the foreign army’s war OF terror. By the way, I read your comments on other articles by express tribune and its obvious you’re indian.Recommend
interesting, will depend on what the real motives of the filmmakers are
anyway, the why does the main actor look like he has constipation?Recommend
v r a nation who takes leads in mourning nd usually dont acknowledge real genuineness nd purposefulness of our great heroes in their lives. Infact v r in need of many more khans of the stature of Imran. Intellectual literate of this should come forward highlight the selfless nd true patriotic works of Imran khan Recommend
We should make a movie about Zardari, Altaf and nawaz and call it the underworld
Its about time that someone had a guts to make a movie about a man who deserves a lot of recognition. Especially by his fellow countrymen. GodSpeed Imran Khan I cannot wait to vote for youRecommend
Nobody can carry off his sleek looks and, ‘i can do’ attitude. Imran Khan’s amazing ability of philanthropy, message of optimism and belief in oneself elevates a beaten up country to team up with him… again. Recommend
isi funds. way to go. Recommend
@Fahed:
So naughty you are :DRecommend
I wish the filmmaker has focused on all parts of his life and there should not be any melafide behind it while filmatising the life of great Khan?Recommend
Waste of time and effortsRecommend
Salam to all
this movie will enhance captaan real political carrier which pakistan highly need the poltical like our great legend captaan also hope the movie will be outstanding best of luckRecommend
Imran Khan is our only Hope right now to save Pakistan.Recommend
i really like its title, Kaptan. Recommend
Sameer come on gentlemen grow up…Recommend
“Years later, he is just as famous after transforming into a successful politician and social activist” – I have serious reservation on this sentence…
Please not make fun of Imran Khan.Recommend
Very Good idea, specially before elections, I request to all those who are critical of him, to please wait and see the popular support to his movie and election campaign both.Recommend
this is just a day dreamRecommend
A.A May God bless upon you & Imran Khan and also success this Movie. Best Wishes Recommend
great work. release date????? Recommend
We all love to see this movie because we love Pakistan and Imran khan love Pakistan peoples we also want Imran Khan as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. InshaAllah!
PLZ SUPPORT IMRAN KHAN AND IMPROVE OUR COUNTRY!Recommend
@Nadeem Ahmed:
Do you live in Pakistan? if you live then i am surprised you do not know about the politics in Pakistan. PPP is successful in Azad Kashmir elections even they showed poor performance and governance ever since they came in power.
You should know elections are selections in Pakistan and Imran Khan is most honest leader and establishment do not want him to come in power.
But my vote is for Imran because he is the only leader. You want to vote Zardari then go ahead.Recommend
Delusional people still support the two parties being run by corrupt thugs. They diss a man who has been calling them to unite and get rid of corruption and other ills that plague Pakistan. I guess majority of us are mindless Zombies.Recommend
ET, please improve ur Engliish!!!Recommend
The Hottest Question!!!
So whose funding it? :DRecommend
imran is true inspiration for everyone if eyed without bias and political affiliation…i hope movie is family movie considering fancy romantic linkup of jemima and imran..i would have to convince my family to go out and watch if rated a family movie..anyway inshaallah imran khan is our next pm..Recommend
Imran Khan is the only HOPE! Much respect to the makers of the film.Recommend
You PTI losers can be happy with your little known “independent film makers”. Mashallah our martyred leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had a critically acclaimed documentary made on her life! Imran Khan’s political life = next 2-3 elections he’ll lose.Recommend
@Amir
Where are those 500,000 “strategic assets” that the state nurtured during the 80s and 90s? Why do taliban bomb jirgas? Why have taliban murdered hundreds of Maliks and thousands of pushtoons? Why the relatives of 35000 victims of terrorist attacks dont carry out suicide attacks? Recommend
I salute to this team of young guys for taking such a big step in making movie of great Imran Khan and I pray for Imran’s success and hope that this movi wouldn’t let him down and make him more popular figure in the hearts of all Pakistanis, if it were not before.
Good luck and may Allah give you success.
Jahan Zeb Recommend
i am not sure!! solely depends on the budget & the creativity of the director! i am interested in how he re-creates the scenes of cricket, the stadium etc! (remember the movie “Goal”) .. (and i Hope Mr. model who is playing Khan saab has studied Imran Khan’s body language well ) , Anyway, keeping my fingers crossed!Recommend
IMRAN KHAN ROX IMRAN KHAN FOREVER IMRAN KHAN HOPE IMRAN KHAN HERO IMRAN KHAN FIGHTER IMRAN KHAN LEADER IMRAN KHAN DARING IMRAN KHAN WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN
COME ON MAN ALL PAKISTAN WID URecommend
No one can personify him b/c he is the only exclusive package of grace in Pak Politics and also such glamor and intellect is very hard to find, Still i hope that movie will project his struggle and charisma in a just way.
He is very much sincere with the country. He is the only politician of pakistan who not only acknowledged in East but also admired by West!
Wish Faisal BEST OF LUCK! & kind wishes for success of the movie.Recommend
Yes, he is a ‘kaptaan’ a true leader, and certainly deserves this honour. This movie must show the best part of Imran Khan, the real part. We love him, millions of people from all over the world, and the film makers should consider this fact. I know this is going to be a huge hit, and a revolutionary and historic movie. Several other people should work on this idea too, many more movies on his life should also be made. Waiting desperately for the release.Recommend
I am desperately waiting for this movie to be released. If this movie gets released in UK, All of you are invited to watch a free show from me.
I am hoping for a great success for this movie in Pakistan and overseas as well.Recommend
I salute the filmmakers for making a film on one of the best Pakistani personality that people in Pakistan today can look up to with pride and honor. His worldwide appeal will help this film be seen all over, unlike another movie of another political group! What’s even more surprising is to see Express finally acknowledging the success of Imran Khan as mentioned in the article… “Years later, he is just as famous after transforming into a successful politician and social activist.” This movie will turn the tide over and lead people to rethink Imran Khan as a viable alternative to Zardari and Nawaz! WELL DONE to the filmmakers..my prayers are with them!!!Recommend
that will be inspirational hit for youth and generations to come. atleast we have some one to follow in our era. would be waiting patientlyRecommend
@Amir:
Lolzzz..Character like Altaf Hussain is impossible to find even in africa…and what movie anyone would make on Altaf Hussain..What are his achievements expect destroying the peace of karachi and terrorizing people..I hope they will make a good movie on Imran Khan,the son of Pakistan who had made the nation proud many times.Recommend
Vote for Imran Khan..Recommend
@Abubakar Khalid: InshaAllah!Recommend
@Amir: LOLZ….you re funny dude.Recommend
@Fahed
I was thinking just that =DRecommend
Imran Khan is hugely popular with people………. 68% people like him in recent survey…… but still unsure if this massive popularity can be converted into votes……… becaz system is corrupt and corrupts would try to maintain status quo……. Allah may help Big Khan and people of Pakistan…….. Imran Khan ZindabadRecommend
@Fahed:
Any body can. Its should be None of our business….Recommend
i would love watch this movie no matter what they show in it..it must be worth watching it..i guess the producer of this movie is a smart guy who knows it gonna click for him and he will get both fame and money..Recommend
i would love love to watch it, it is worth watching itRecommend
Khan Sahaib Imran Khan Is The True Face Of Quaid – E – Azam ‘s Pakistan In 21St Century . Me , My Family And Friends Wishes Him Goodwishes And Best Of Luck . Pakistani Should Be Proud Of Imran Khan . I Am Looking Forward For Watching The Movie ” KAPTAAN ” .Recommend
@Fahed:
How about you?Recommend
The kind of comments here show the vibe we all Pakistanis have, and iA by supporting Mr. Khan in the upcoming political endeavours we together shall make Pakistan BETTER! Recommend
Mr Imran Khan will be our ‘P.M ‘is a terrible night mareRecommend
A good news. InshAllah it will be a success if made with pure intentions. Imran Khan is a living legend. His work….all that hes done is inspirational and that’s what makes him Pakistan’s most loved son. Good Luck ‘Team ‘Kaptaan’!Recommend
zabardast!!Recommend
@Fahed:
How about you? Recommend
i hope he wins the elections.Recommend
Please note the correction.
Screenplay writer and Assistant Director: Naveed Akbar Recommend
This Movie is sponsord by ISI to promote Imran Khan.Recommend
@Rizwana: it’s not his looks that will do the job.
He’s not focused, doesnt have a clear agenda! he’s just getting popular cuz of his looks and his past glory. He should stick to his soial work and stay out of politics. He could end up like Obama! Impressive polished harvard speeches got him the presidency but he just cant handle it!!!!!Recommend
Every one has soo many ideas for this movie, not to mention the opinions! But some times, it is better to just keep them to yourselves and appreciate the initiative taken by some ‘dreamer’. ‘Dreamer’ is what some people are calling the director, the same people that will idly sit by and not go out and vote because according to them, ‘it’s a waste’. Laziness and pessimism is a very annoying quality to have, guys, might want to get rid of it. If you can’t utter good words about something, might want to keep it shut and not be a discouraging worm.
I, for one, can not wait to watch this movie and THEN give my opinions on it. Best of luck.Recommend
@ Alina
All social & economic ills spring from wrong policies in governance. Just sticking to social work is just trying to put out a house on fire with a tea cup. We need a fire engine to put it out and then reconstruct it altogether. I am all for Imran :-)Recommend
@zia ur rehman:
Lolz, lolz and more lolz!?Recommend
we all support u IMRAN KHAN …Recommend
its a brilliant idea to make a movie on the ‘ legend ‘ . he is idol for youth of pakistan .. cant wait to watch it . Recommend
@Alina:
Imran is going to be the next Prime Minister (Inshallah) and you say he is not a good politician?
What planet are you from?Recommend
Hope we have to see the unforgettable life achievements of GREAT KHAN in this film. IMRAN KHAN is the only visionary politicians in Pakistan and PAKISTANI Nation have blind faith on him. Please wake-up the Pakistani Nation vote and support his party in up-coming General Election.
If Pakistani Nation wanted real change then we must understand our vote power.Recommend
I would love to see this!Recommend
@Nadeem Ahmed:
You will see how successful he is in politics. Time will show you. Tell me do you have any better option than him….pls tell me I would like to hear. Recommend
IMRAN KHAN, this name was really unbelievable rider and in short term he succeeded and now he is awaiting his target wicket taking of PM of Pakistan. But his strategy is same like cricket in the cricket 11Players go back to the ball and one player hits that ball. But in the Politics 11balls hit of one wicket standing player like to motto the bouncers and bouncers. Please Imran Khan this is not 18Cricket players these are 18Crore Pakistani. You did not seen every PM or Political Leader defense after his PM faces Tomatoes. However in finally we love you and i suggest you please come back and support Pakistan Cricket Board and take leadership for it and hold on why you are wasting your time. Did you never heard about traitor? After all we finally love you as a Cricketer ever and ever.Recommend
wow, cricket’s first playboy on celluloid? it had to come………..only thing is-why so late…with imran now deeply embedded in the disastrous state of pakistani politics, where is he going to have the time to contribute to the script, and advisory capacity to get the project off the ground?
brilliant idea—————some ten years late!Recommend
Wouldn’t it be great to see a movie on the life of (future) Prime Minister of Pakistan? Whenever it comes out, I’d be watching it for sure.Recommend
Its gonnna be great, i can tell.. :D
Imran Khan is the only hope left for Pakistan, Imran Khan is he only ray of hope for the people of Pakistan – i really really wish that Imran Khan becomes the next Prime Minister of Pakistan..
Plus, Imran Khan is a living Legend, i mean not just as a Cricketer, but as a Politician, as a Humanitarian and above all, as a brave and honest man <~ he really deserved a movie..
Inshallah, I’ll be watching it in Cinema, here in Pakistan..
Long Live Imran Khan – Pakistan Zindabad..Recommend
Its all too preposterous, to call Imran the next PM of Pakistan, and for GODS sake please don’t even put his name next to Quaid-e-Azams’, much less compare him to Quaid.Recommend
@Waleed:
People like you hated Quaid when he was alive and when he REALY needed support. Now that he is dead you are his biggest Chamchay. Recommend
this movie could be a fantastic idea to give a boost to the political orientation of mr khan. i am convinced that people will take him as their next prime minister watching this movie.Recommend
Imran khan as prime minister of Pakistan= Biggest joke of this planet! Go get a life guys!!!!Recommend
@Amir:
good answer, people are so jealous, keeep going, and keep up your role as a true citizen of this country.
good luckRecommend
any one who has the brain with sincere soul in his body, can easily understand what is write or wrong going on in Pak country.
my honest judgement , i found the only one Man Imran Khan in this whole political arena. Rubbish current prime minister, bloody idiot president . and all his cabinet leaders. sugs, Zombies they are thirsty for blood of the people of pakistan. too bad other leaders hav no courage to show their own statement,. need revolutionary changes in our country. the only hope is mashalah still there. Imran Khan.Every young guy need to aware of our political affairs now. coz indeed. People in this movie and the Director, Faisal Aman play a great role in his life. b blessed everyone. best wishes always there for this project.Recommend
We Want Imran Khan To
Be The Next Prime
Minster Of Pakistan,, waiting for movie ‘kaptaan’Recommend
OYE JAGEERDARA!!! A new movie on Altaf Hussain,!!Recommend
PAGRI SAMBHAL JAT AB AAGAYA SADA KAPTAN MAIDAN MEIN should be the title of the film.Recommend
yes absolutly he deserved for that, and I promise i will see this movie more than 2time at cinema if it will release on a big screen,Recommend
No one can match khan time is not far when we all saw him as the prime minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan (INSHALLAH). faisla zameer ka vote Imran khan ka.
Recommend
Imran is the only True, Sincere, honest and trustworthy polictican in Pakistan. He’s simply matchless and all other shariefs, zardari’s gilanis and chowdhrys are no where near to him. He feels the pain of nation and he’s the only ray of hope who can lead us to a better future. He’s equally known in east and west with respect and given honors in all parts of the world. May Allah gives him success and he becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Ameen.
Recommend
@R.A.J:
cannot compare a documentary to a movie!!!!Recommend
@Tashfeen and @sameer you surely are not pakistanis….
so keep mongering the funds…
its a common sense people do what is profitable to here career…..
and people invest in what is profiatble.
Recommend
It will be a hit among all the ladies over 50, and also among all the pappooes
Recommend
@Amir:
Calling IK a racist fits perfectly, with supporter like you. That Warrior Race. How can ET print comments like Amir’s?
Recommend
in this situation, where there terrorism, bribery, target killing, unobeyed of supereme court, unemloyment load shedding inflation and many other problems the only and only one option with pakistani people to come of from this depressioin and problems is the imran khan . the last hope of prosperous pakistan… please come forward imran khan 86 % pakistani with you.
Recommend