Shoaib Akhtar Obtains Stay Order Against His Biopic Filming

04 July, 2023

Shoaib Akhtar, the renowned Pakistani cricketer, has recently obtained a crucial stay order against the makers of his supposed biopic. The court order restricts the filming and release of the film until a final decision reached in the ongoing lawsuit. This legal action taken in response to persistent threats made by a certain group of individuals who determined to continue filming despite the termination of the agreement between Akhtar and the filmmakers.

In an Instagram story posted on Monday, Akhtar shared a screenshot of his Facebook post announcing the stay order. He expressed gratitude for the order, emphasizing that it prohibits the production and release of the biopic by the concerned group. Akhtar also cautioned anyone involved in the project about the illegality of their actions and the potential damage it could cause to their reputation.

To provide further clarity on the matter, Akhtar’s lawyer attached a notice to the Instagram story. The notice explains that the court, through an order dated June 22, 2023, has restrained the producer of the biopic, titled “Rawalpindi Express,” from shooting, filming, or releasing any part of the film on any media platform, including social media and cinema. The order remain in effect until a final decision is made in the ongoing legal battle.

Akhtar filed the lawsuit against the producer/director of the biopic, who persistently threatened to continue production despite the termination of the agreement. The notice serves as a stern warning that the film is currently in dispute and subject to litigation. It explicitly states that anyone involved in the production will held accountable for their actions. Additionally, the notice mentions that the police will conduct raids to prevent any further filming, backed by a court order.

Although no names mentioned by Akhtar, Muhammad Faraz Qaiser is the director of the film, while Qaiser Nawaz wrote the screenplay. Initially, singer-turned-actor Umair Jaswal set to play the lead role but withdrew from the project due to ‘creative and personal’ reasons.

Jaswal announced his departure from the Shoaib Akhtar biopic, “Rawalpindi Express,” on social media, stating that he would no longer associated with any news or media related to the project. Following Jaswal’s exit, the film faced additional setbacks. Akhtar himself took to Twitter to announce his disassociation from the project, revoking all rights to his life’s story.

The former cricketer cited unresolved disagreements and constant contractual violations as reasons for his decision. Despite his efforts to salvage the project, Akhtar concluded that it was no longer viable. He made it clear that severe legal action would taken if the filmmakers proceeded without his approval.

Initially slated for a November release, the biopic, touted as the “first foreign film about a Pakistani sportsman,” announced in July 2022. Director Qaiser expressed his delight at finally bringing his idea to life after conceiving it in 2016.