Director: Yadollah Samadi
Cast: Shahab Hosseini, Elham Hamidi, Akbar Abdi, Kourosh Tahami, Setareh Eskandari
Shoghe Parvaz (Flying Passion) is a 2012 Iranian drama-war series directed by Yadollah Samadi, chronicling the life and military career of Martyr General Abbas Babaei, one of the most celebrated fighter pilots in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
What is Shoghe Parvaz about?
The series follows the remarkable story of Abbas Babaei, a decorated F-14 Tomcat pilot who rose through the ranks of the Iranian Air Force to become a national hero. Beginning with his formative years and commitment to aviation, the narrative traces his path through rigorous training, deep personal convictions, and the mounting pressure of wartime command during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. Each episode illuminates both the professional demands placed on elite combat aviators and the private man behind the uniform — a devoted family member, a figure of quiet faith, and a commander who inspired fierce loyalty among his squadron. The series does not shy away from the human cost of aerial warfare, grounding its historical account in relationships, sacrifice, and the weight of leadership under fire.
Cast & crew
Shahab Hosseini — one of Iran's most internationally recognized actors — leads the cast as Abbas Babaei, bringing measured intensity to the role. He is joined by Elham Hamidi and the veteran comedian Akbar Abdi in a rare dramatic turn. The ensemble also includes Tahami (surname), Setareh Eskandari, Farhad Ghaemian, Shahram Haghighat Doost, and Mehran Rajabi, providing strong support across the military and domestic storylines.
Context & significance
Abbas Babaei holds a near-mythic place in Iranian collective memory. His story resonates deeply with the generation that lived through the eight-year war with Iraq, and his name remains a touchstone for themes of duty, sacrifice, and national identity in Iranian popular culture. For diaspora viewers who grew up hearing that chapter of history through family stories rather than state television, Shoghe Parvaz offers a chance to engage with that legacy on their own terms. The war-drama genre has a long tradition in Iranian cinema and television, and this series sits within that lineage while centering the personal alongside the political — a combination that tends to hold lasting emotional weight for Persian-speaking audiences far from home.
Where & how to watch
Shoghe Parvaz is available to stream on K-Time. The series is in Persian with its original audio. Watch on the web, your TV, or your phone — no VPN needed, no geo-blocking, and you can cancel anytime.