Movie on Imran Khan: Will ‘Kaptaan’ hit a sixer?
Starring Abdul Mannan, Saeeda Imtiaz, Naveed Akbar,Usman Aslam. Directed by Faisal Aman Khan, Cinematographed by AvidDuo (Farrukh & Yashal) Written By Faisal Aman Khan Screenplay by Naveed Akbar
Produced by Faisal Aman Khan
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.
Kaptaan - film about Imran Khan - Coming Soon!(Promo updated)
LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan's transition from a cricketer to an active politician has become the subject of a movie which is set to be released in Pakistan this year.
According to a report in the "Express Tribune", the film called "Kaptaan" explores the life of Imran following the end of his cricket career. Imran, after leading Pakistan to many triumphs on the cricket field including the 1992 World Cup, became a frontline politician and social activist.
The movie, which is still in post-production phase, explores the experiences of his life.
Faisal Aman Khan, an independent filmmaker who is based in the UK, is directing the film.
Faisal said he hit upon the idea of making this movie two years ago after he graduated from film school. According to his colleagues, Faisal met Imran 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 added.
Anwar, who has directed several short films, said the film juxtaposes Khan's struggle for Pakistan's future with that of Mohammad Ali Jinnahs.
The film also recreates scenes of major incidents such as his arrest at Punjab University in Lahore, his hunger strike while in jail and his relationship with ex-wife Jemima Khan.
A local model Abdul Mannan, who has an uncanny resemblance to the cricketer, will play Imran in the film and is paired with Saeeda Imtiaz, a Pakistani-American model based in New York.
Insiders claim that the film will be ready for distribution this fall but are tight-lipped about the release date.
The story follows Imran Khan’s life post the world cup victory in 1992. From the tragic death of his mother, first cancer hospital in Pakistan. From being the first Chancellor of the University of Bradford, Namal University and so on ..
Kaptaan: A movie on Imran Khan features music by Noori, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and more
Written, produced and directed by Pakistan born and UK based filmmaker Faisal Aman Khan, the story of ‘Kaptaan’, a biographical film, follows the incredible life of Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. His life post the world cup victory in 1992. It follows the events that have shaped up his life. From being ridiculed in Cricket to being labeled as a playboy. Imran’s marriage with Jemima Khan and later what problems aroused in his relationships with Jemima. It centers on how Khan’s disappointment at Pakistan’s dismal state of affairs triggered him to enter the political arena. From the tragic death of his mother, to his efforts and endeavors in building the first cancer hospital in Pakistan.
The movie talks about Imran’s journey in his life and the entire transformation of a person from on field to off field. It is a story about a loving son, who set himself on a journey from which he would never return, a journey of selflessness, a journey of self realization, a journey into the ocean of his people… It is a tale of love so strong it crossed all boundaries, a man who gave up that love for his people, a hero who defied a dictator, a man who stood up for justice. His is a life more inspiring, motivational and relevant than any other man who has faced himself and asked the basic question of being. A hero, a living legend, a visionary, the lion of Pakistan, IMRAN KHAN!
The background score of the movie, has been composed by Farhan Zameer, which has a very uplifting and reflective feel. The director have also roped in a number of local bands and singers who have lend their voices to the movie including Noori and Abbas Ali Khan. And as Imran Khan has been a great fan of late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan hence the soundtrack features two songs of the late Ustad – ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aave‘ and ‘Yeh Jo Halka Halka‘.
Kaptaan: A movie on Imran Khan
Pakistan born and UK based filmmaker Faisal Aman Khan has taken initiative to do a feature film on former Pakistan Cricketer Imran Khan who is considered to be one of the living legends in the world of cricket.
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 , a young filmmaker who had never planned his career to get into film making came with the idea of making this movie two years back. Faisal Aman Khan speaks exclusively to DT from his hometown in Islamabad and shares with us all the details.
Says Faisal, "I was born in Pakistan, later my family shifted to UK where I pursued my higher studies. My family was not supportive with my idea of geeting into film making. So as back up I did completed my studies in Business media after which I pursued a course in filmmaking in London." So how did the idea of making a movie on former cricketer Imran Khan came up and he states, "I mainly do a lot of documentary films this would be my first venture into feature filmmaking. I always like to work on subjects that are different and can grab mass attention. It was then I decided that I should film a movie on Khan saab. Imran Khan has been one of the most popular cricketer and a legend in history of cricket all over the globe. I had to do an intense two year research on him before I actually started the movie. I have met Imran at several occasion and when I told him about making the movie he just laughed at me. He is a very quite and shy person and was happy to know that I was making a movie on him. Imran was reluctant at first but later after reading the script he got convinced."
Talking about the movie , Faisal highlights, "The movie is basically a tribute of lifetime to Imran Khan. It is a multi language film - Hindi, Urdu and English. We all have known Imran as a cricketer, but my movie focuses on his life after cricket. What happened to Imran Khan after he left cricket? Imran's marriage with Jemima Khan and later what problems aroused in his relationships with Jemima? Why did he enter politics and so on. The movie talks about Imran's journey in his life and the entire transformation of a person from on field to off field. The movie will definitely have a global appeal and there are few personalities in Pakistan who have been able to do so and Imran Khan for sure is one of them."
Faisal further adds, "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 hunger strike while in jail, his arrest at Punjab University in Lahore, and then certain intimate scenes with his ex-wife, Jemima Khan."
The shooting of the film is completed and now the movie is in the post production phase. "We are planning to release the movie soon. I plan to screen it all over the globe." Any plans to screen the movie in India and he adds, "Yes why not, I would love to screen the movie in India too. Both my paternal and maternal sides are from India, unfortunately I have never got the chance to visit India till now. It will be a great moment for me if I get the opportunity to visit India soon and do the screening my movie kaptaan there." Ask about his family connection in India and he says, " My father side is from Azamgarh and my mother side is from Lucknow. We have lot of relatives still staying there in India."
Talking about the lead actors in the movie he says, "It was tough for us to select someone who could play the role of Imran and Jemima. As the story centrally focuses on Imran's relationship with Jemima there was lot of pressure on hiring a character for the suitable role. We had to do lot of auditions. Finally we selected a Pakistan based model Abdul Mannan for the role of Imran khan and Saeeda Imtiaz a Pakistan – American based model from NewYork."
Both are fresh faces and they had to really work hard for nearly 6 months starting from looks to accents facial expression and so on. Abdul who has played the role of Imran in the movie had to grow his hair and change his entire look for the movie. Frankly while selecting the main lead actor we didn't want someone who exactly looks like Imran but someone who can act and give justice to the role. Also Saeeda who will be playing the role of Jemima Khan has to work hard on her looks and appearance. Jemima Khan as all of us have known her is a lady who was beautiful graceful and elegant. Honestly speaking the movie was made in a hoe string budget. We did lot of the movie shooting in Pakistan and winded up the shooting in 30 days time. The support we got from the local people in Pakistan was amazing."
"I hope to release the movie by month of October this year. The music of the movie is catchy and we have roped in all local bands and singers from Pakistan who have lend their voices to the movie like Noorie band and so on. What is more interesting, Imran Khan has love for music and has been a great fan of late Ustaad Nusraat Fateh Ali Khan hence for the background scores we have included two songs of late Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan songs – 'Sanu ekh pal chain na aawe' and 'Yeh jo Halka Halka' for the movie," adds Faisal.
Finally he winds up saying, "I strongly believe that nothing is impossible in making your dreams come true and this was one my dream project which hopefully should come true."
A Movie on Imran Khan’s Life “Kaptaan”
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 Paksitan 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.
