Development

After the success of Shah, director Adnan Sarwar announced in 2017, that the second film in his planned Hero trilogy would be based on the life of a motorcyclist, Zenith Irfan. Sarwar explained, "this film will be the second installment of the "Heroes Trilogy" that I have planned. Zenith's story is important because, at such a young age, she is doing things that challenge gender stereotypes which are deeply engrained in the fabric of our society. This film will be my little effort towards inspiring a future where, hopefully, the women of our country will be more empowered, truly independent and unshackled from archaic taboos that hold back their progress".^[5] Citing the inspiration of film, Adnan said, "the remarkable story of what Zenith did at such a young age caught my attention after Shah and I knew it was the right subject to turn into a film", said Adnan Sarwar. "I have scripted a fictional world around the core true story of her journey and I hope that Motorcycle Girl will help further the cause of women empowerment in Pakistan".^[2]

In an interview, Sarwar said "I think what attracted me most to this topic was the fact that at such a young age, Zenith was able to pull off such a remarkable feat. I'm a firm believer in women empowerment and gender equality and Zenith has proved that times are changing," he quipped further saying, "when I found out that the reason she made the journey was in memory of her father, I fell in love with the story completely. I have tried to treat the film with immense sensitivity and at its core; it is about a daughter's love for her father."^[6][7]

Casting

Actress Sohai Ali Abro was approached for the role,^[8] who was then working on a project that was shelved because of production issues.^[9][10] Describing her role Abro said, "I felt like I was being typecast a lot as this typically pretty, doll character on screen and I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and do something different. I went through a LOT of scripts before finally settling on this one", sharing on playing Zenith she said, "I could relate to Zenith's desire to fulfill her late father's ambitions. She grew up without a father and I too, have been through that so I could relate to her a lot."^[10]

Motorcycle Girl is believed to be the second film centered around women character after Hareem Farooq's, Parchi,^[11] commenting on that Abro said, "It is absolute honor to play Zenith in his film. The role of this incredible, empowered female is one that I can relate to and is close to my heart. I have always believed in the liberating the power of our women, especially considering the taboos we face in our society, and I am really happy that a lot of young girls would be able to look up to me for doing something positive and inspiring."^[12]

The film also stars Samina Peerzada as Abro's mother while Ali Kazmi, who plays Abro's husband a role similar he played in series, Baaghi, describing his role he said, "I wanted something light and not negative but Adnan convinced me. My character is a small part of the great ensemble cast but a pivotal one. It is an amalgamation of the interesting potential suitors of Zenith."^[6] Shamim Hilaly was cast as an Abro's grandmother, Sarmad Khoosat joined as an Abro's boss while aspiring actor Hadi bin Arshad played Abro's brother Sultan.

Filming

Principal photography began in early September 2017.^[13] The film was shot entirely in Hunza and Khunjerab, with initial scenes were filmed in Lahore.^[14] Before the shoot, Sohai went through hectic trainings as she didn't know how to drive a motorbike,^[15] and was reportedly made the same journey from Lahore to the Khanjarab Pass that Irfan's took in 2015.^[11]

Track listing

Box office

Motorcycle Girl grossed Rs. 20 lac from Pakistan on its first day of release.^[27] At the end of first week, its domestic collections were around Rs. 98 lac.^[27] The film ended its run, collecting only Rs. 2.5 crores.^[1]

Critical response

The trailer of the film received positive response, many citing it is groundbreaking for women empowerment.^[28] Sohai was praised for playing Zenith and many said this film is unconventional against the women-ecentirc culture of Pakistan.^[29][30] Sohai herself said, “the idea behind the film is to make it okay for women to ride motorcycles on the streets of Pakistan and get rid of the notion that it is something abnormal.”^[31]

On the release of the film, the film garnered a majority of positive reviews.

OyeYeah called it a film "Pakistan needs".^[32] Sahar Watoo for Daily Times said it is "an emotional, inspirational cinematic ride".^[33] Bushra Nayeem for Daily Pakistan wrote, "The issues discussed were apt and the storyline was amazing. The videography was really nice and we all can expect more good work from our industry. Sohai has done justice to her character."^[34] Shahjehan Saleem for Something Haute said, "Motorcycle Girl has done what many others have failed to do. It has proven that a female-centric film can and does work brilliantly if it's done right."^[35] Rahul Aijaz of The Express Tribune gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 and wrote, "As the late American journalist and author Hunter S Thompson once said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” You'll enjoy it."^[36] Maleeha Mengal of Dunya News praised the film.^[37] Turyal Azam Khan for The Diplomat wrote, "Cake and Motorcycle Girl signal a new, refreshing direction for Pakistani cinema".^[38] Sarah Babar of MangoBaaz called it "Heartfelt and extremely empowering".^[39] Omair Alavi of Samaa TV gave it a rating of 3.5/5.^[40] Anum Rehman Chagani for Dawn Images gave it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Motorcycle Girl is smart, funny, poignant and it delivers a touching story without any gimmicks".^[41]

Accolades