Wajahat Rauf says Shandaar draws on real-life roadside killing cases

ISLAMABAD: Director Wajahat Rauf says his upcoming crime thriller Shandaar has been shaped by multiple real-life roadside killing cases that have triggered public discussion in Pakistan, rather than by a single incident.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Rauf said the 16-episode series, which is set to air soon on Express Entertainment, combines elements from several such cases. He said reports of people being killed on the road, followed by allegations involving influential individuals and widespread debate on social media, formed the basis of the project.

In his remarks to the publication, Rauf said the drama should not be seen as a direct adaptation of one event, but as a crime thriller built from patterns seen in several incidents. He described the production as a fast-moving story that aims to keep its treatment realistic.

Attributing the project’s distinctiveness to its source material and performances, Rauf said the series stands apart from many current television dramas because it is rooted in true stories and presented with realism. He said the cast has portrayed their characters in a lifelike manner while the makers have worked to maintain a gripping pace.

The drama features an ensemble cast that includes Shamoon Abbasi, Shahzad Sheikh, Areeka Haq, Ali Dayan, Ahsan Afzal Khan and Laila Wasti, along with other actors. Abbasi recently posted photographs from the set on social media, offering viewers an early look at the production.

Speaking about his role, Abbasi said it differs from characters he has previously played and also marked his first collaboration with Rauf.

Rauf also said the production team has sought to deliver a compelling crime narrative without losing its realistic tone. Shandaar is expected to premiere on Express Entertainment soon.