I Am Shahid Afridi

Going into the theater at a high-end multiplex, I had high expectations from the movie. Apart from having a 9.5 IMDb rating, the movie had garnered much critical acclaim, which given the high level of cynicism among Pakistani critics is a rare feat. I am happy to say that this movie sets the tone for Pakistani cinema that (hopefully) will follow it. While it attempts social commentary, this movie is not a polemic diatribe against the system like "Bol" or to a certain extent, "Khuda Ke Liye." It's goal is to entertain and the movie does just that.

The story revolves around a small-town team aspiring to make it big and a player who aspires to reach the level of the legend that's Shahid Afridi. They find their coach in a framed and banished former cricket hero played by Humayun Saeed. No prizes for guessing where the story heads from here -- there are the usual love interests, the villainous rival team, a broken-family subplot and so forth, but all of this is executed with panache and the acting and script writing is decent. However what really works in the film's favor is some solid supporting performances from Nadeem Baig, who shows what acting greats are made of, and from Hamza Ali, who infuses some verve into the proceedings. The music score ably supports the production. Special mention to the the song-and-dance sequence at the start, which is nothing short of sensational.

The script does have a predilection for resorting to character stereotypes (which are incorrect), however given that MHSA is a first time effort by majority of the production team, this can be forgiven. Syed Noor, Shoaib Mansoor and the rest of the Lollywood old-school gang should take a lesson or two from the movie and start infusing some energy and verve in their cinema, because the audience generally pays to be entertained and not lectured.

Rating: ***** (1 additional * for being the first and getting so many things right)

The reason that propelled me to watch the movie besides its name & alluring adverts, was its rating of 9.4/10 at IMDb. And to say I was pleasantly surprised would not be wrong.

For people who were looking for dramatic displays of bloody fights and a typical scenes like the heroine trying to ?seduce the hero by singing him songs while she danced around him trying to contain her euphoria, this is certainly not the movie for them. The good thing about the script was it never deviated from the story line. Yes, the ending was a little abrupt and the role of the women in the movie was nothing more than 'forced.' However, the purpose of the film was pure entertainment and it did justice to that.

The people who deserve special mention are the young and upcoming actors and the script writer, Vasay Chaudhry for this brilliant piece of work. This surely will mark the start of revival of Pakistani cinema.

Like the trailer the film was awesome enjoyed every bit of it . The songs were good movie was funny and fun and really kept you engaged the whole time its a bit long but not at any time boring . I urge all cricket fans and in particular Shahid Afridi fans too come forth visit your local cinema and support this film .I want too see more of Mahnoor Baloch in the future . The Item song was too good. What i liked was how beautifully it portrayed the dreams of a young man who wants too embed his hero, It shows how a team should not rely on one player but the entire team. It truly is a work of art and a sign of the revival of the Pakistan Film industry. All i have too say in the end is Peace out and keep them coming.

Belonging to Sialkot, I felt a sense of pride at this movie. It was the premiere in the city, and everyone was literally off their seats by the end. The acting, story, cast everything was perfect. It may have been termed as an only for families movie, but it had plenty in the start for the stags to excited about. Mahnoor Baloch, elegant as ever, Humayun Sayed, another fantastic performance. Ainy Jaffri was the surprise package, she looked gorgeous. The story may have been a little predictable by the end, but it was perfect in every sense. It was entertaining at every stage. Way better than the recent Indian Movies. Pakistan Cinema has revived. A must see for everyone in Pakistan.

Awesome movie!!!

I think this movie breaks the record. All of you guys must saw this movie in cinema because this movie is awesome.

This movie provides the fully entertainment like drama, comedy, emotions, sports & romantic.

Hamayaun Saeed, Mahnoor Bloch, Shafaqt Cheema, Nadeem Baig, Farhan Maqsood, Hamza Abbasi(Molvi Majeed in film awesome acting), and also Javaid Sheikh all of you spur b acting. Especially Hamza Abbasi and shafaqt cheema your acting is too much awesome. I am big fan of you and also this movie.