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“Evil has a name, and that name is Rashash”

For the very first time in GCC media production comes an adaptation of the true story of a notorious criminal in 1980s Saudi Arabia. A streaming exclusive, and the first Shahid Original series of its kind, this powerful drama narrates the story of Rashash and the Saudi police’s efforts to bring him to justice. Created by British television screenwriter Tony Jordan, and written with Sheikha Suha Al Khalifa and Richard Bellamy, “Rashash” is directed by Collin Teague and features an all-Saudi cast. Weekly episodes to drop on Shahid VIP from Thursday 21 January 2021.

For the very first time in GCC media production history comes an adaptation of the true story of a notorious criminal in 1980s Saudi Arabia.

Launching Thursday 21 January 2021, “Rashash” is the brand-new Shahid Original drama series exclusively available on Shahid VIP, Shahid’s subscription-based premium service. Part of MBC GROUP, Shahid is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s leading Arabic-language streaming platform, home to a plethora of original and exclusive premium content.

The biggest Saudi drama produced by MBC STUDIOS – and the biggest production by a streaming platform in the region so far – “Rashash” is the first Shahid Original series of its kind; a story never been told before, digging up exclusive tales from the archives of the intense and long-running criminal investigation from the late 1980s.

Based on real and astonishing events, this powerful drama narrates the story of Rashash and the Saudi police’s efforts to bring him to justice.

Eight-part series
Created by British television screenwriter Tony Jordan (“EastEnders”, “Hustle”, “Life on Mars”, “Holby Blue”), and written with Sheikha Suha Al Khalifa and Richard Bellamy, “Rashash” tells the story of the notorious murderer and drug trafficker, who was finally caught by the police in Saudi Arabia in the late 1980s. Having never been adapted into a production, the series follows the early beginnings of Rashash right through to his capture, with the core focus of the drama centred on a young police officer (Fahd) who makes it his mission to end Rashash’s reign of terror and destruction.

The eight-part series is in Saudi Arabic accompanied by English subtitles. One 60-minute episode will be released every Thursday.

Multi-million dollar production
With a production value never before witnessed for a Saudi action-drama, “Rashash” is the biggest production by a streaming platform in the region.

Directed by British filmmaker Collin Teague (“The Last Drop”, “Holby City”, “Torchwood”, “The Sarah Jane Adventures”, “Doctor Who”, “Being Human”), “Rashash” in the GCC was initially forecast to be completed in less than 90 days; however, this was extended due to the global restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

With Director of Photography, Luke Bryant (“I Hate Suzie”, “The Reckoning”, “Urban Myths”, “Sliced”, “Dead Pixels”, “Chewing Gum”) also at the helm, shooting of the project included three full days of helicopter scenes. Production equipment utilised include the Russian Arm Dynamic, Phantom high-speed cameras, drones and Steadicams.

Additionally, “Rashash” features over 24 stunts, choreographed by stunt director, Kaloyan Vodenicharov (“Their”, “World War Z”, “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation”).

An all-saudi cast
As part of Shahid and MBC GROUP’s mission to foster, mentor and promote upcoming talent from the Kingdom, “Rashash” features an all-Saudi cast in leading roles. They include: Yagoub Al Farhan (Rashash), Nayef Al Dhufairi (Fahd), Khalid Yaslam (Chief Azam), Fayez Bin Jurays (Omar), Hakeem Jomah (Sultan), Abdullah Al Barrack (Mahal), Ibrahim Al Hajjaj (Qahas), Ayman Al Mutahhir (Musleh), and Sumaya Rida (Aida).

While the lead cast took on some stunts themselves, each cast member also had their own stunt double. Meanwhile, all cast underwent special weapons training prior to filming, trained by special armourers flown in from India, where they were made familiar with the weapon replicas, as well as how to use them properly.

During the filming of “Rashash”, MBC STUDIOS received production support from twofour54 Abu Dhabi, which provides world-class production facilities, talent development initiatives and training, and business support services for media companies in the region.