Producer: Mukta Arts Ltd.

Director: Nagesh Kukunoor

Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Shweta Prasad, Girish Karnad, Kittu Gidwani, Naseeruddin Shah and Kapil Dev

Music: Sukhwinder Singh

From the day one since Subhash Ghai announced about the cinematic debut of the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev in his upcoming outing 'Iqbal', the movie has been making news. Produced under the prestigious and big banner of Mukta Arts Ltd., 'Iqbal - The Rampur Express' has Nagesh Kukunoor as director and stars Shreyas Talpade (the protagonist of the film), Shweta Prasad, Girish Karnad, the veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and the world renowned former cricketer who is the inspiration of millions of wannabe cricketers 'Kapil Dev' in a well-knitted character respectively. Kapil has a special role, something that will be a secret and surprise till the movie release.

Kapil Dev, who has earlier given a special appearance in Sajid Nadiadwala's blockbuster 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', is making his full-fledged cinematic debut in Ghai's forthcoming 'Iqbal - The Rampur Express'. He was moved by the inspiring story of an aspiring young cricketer and straightaway accepted the role.

The narrative talks about a young boy 'Iqbal' (Shreyas Talpade), his dreams, his ambitions to make his place in national cricket team and also focuses on the events on how does he defeat every obstacle, which comes his way while he is progressing to achieve his ultimate goal of life.

Iqbal lives in a small village. Cricket is his religion and his only reason to live because he believes in just one dream - the national team. As Iqbal treads the path to his dream, he faces life's harsh adversities. His little sister (Shweta Prasad) always encourages him whenever he is worried and upset. There is Mohit (Naseeruddin Shah), a village drunkard in whom Iqbal sees the only chance of victory. Iqbal and Mohit then fasten the belts to embark on their way to success. Follows next is a significant journey of bravery laced with pride and human achievement.

'Iqbal - The Rampur Express' is not a movie that merely concentrates on cricket; it also portrays the unending spirit to beat the difficulties that come one's way to victory. The cricket madness woven with the desire to win will surely make the audience enjoy it on screen once the film is out in theaters.

Sukhwinder Singh scores the music whereas the cinematographer is Shudeep Chatterjee. The other credits feature the names of art director Sunil Baba and sound recordist Namita Chopra.

No date of release has been finalized yet but the movie is expected to hit the screens in June 2005.