Latest Shahid Original ‘Rashash’ features all-Saudi cast

Arabic content streaming platform Shahid VIP is set to launch Saudi thriller “Rashash,” an Original series produced by MBC Studios.

The drama is based on the life of 1980s criminal Rashash and the Saudi police’s efforts to bring him to justice.

The series is the brainchild of British television screenwriter, Tony Jordan, known for “Hustle” and “EastEnders,” who wrote the show alongside Sheikha Suha Al-Khalifa and Richard Bellamy. It is directed by Colin Teague, an award-winning English filmmaker best-known for productions “Doctor Who” and “Jekyll and Hyde.”

In line with Shahid and MBC Group’s aim to promote local talent, “Rashash” features an all-Saudi cast including Yagoub Al-Farhan, Naif Al-Daferi, Khaled Yeslam, Fayez Bin Jurays, and Sumaya Rida. Although the script was originally written in English, it was finalized in Arabic with special attention given to the Saudi dialect.

“This type of fast-paced action and drama is a genre that hasn’t been previously showcased in a Saudi series – especially a production of this magnitude,” said Al-Daferi.

“Rashash” is the biggest Arabic production for any streaming company so far, according to Shahid, and is a collaboration between regional and international award-winning talent using best-in-class production equipment.

To successfully pull off a production of this scale, MBC Studios also worked with Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment hub twofour54 as well as the government in order to receive approval for the use of weapons, explosives, and the printing of money.

Although the shooting was scheduled to have been completed in 90 days, it took much longer due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Over half the filming took place in the desert, with three days dedicated to scenes shot from a helicopter.

The eight-episode Arabic series will feature English subtitles with one 55-minute episode dropping every week starting on July 9.