Athiya Shetty is all set to play Afshan Ashiq a biopic which is about a Kashmiri footballer passionate about sports coming from a controversial geopolitical place which is surrounded by controversies all the time. The film is titled 'Hope Solo' and will go on floors this year and will be shot in the Kashmir valley majorly.

Gulshan Grover's son Sanjay had purchased the film rights to the life of Kashmiri student and footballer Afshan Ashiq, who was given the controversial tag of a stone-pelter when a picture of her hurling a stone at security forces during protests in Srinagar went viral.

The biopic is written by Saiwyn Quadras who previously wrote films like 'Mary Kom', 'Neerja' and 'Parmanu'. It will be directed by Manish Harishankar, who has previously assisted Rajkumar Santoshi on 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero'.

The 25-year-old is confirmed to play the lead role and for this Athiya will go under rigorous football training sessions. The source close to the makers stated, "Unlike most Indian biopics, this film will not be a success story but an emotional journey that portrays one girl's fight against a system. It will focus on several movements like Khelo India, a national programme for the development of sports in the country, and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme for women empowerment. Afshan's dream has always been to be a national-level goalkeeper and represent India in international women's' football. The film will focus on these aspirations."