Riz Ahmed's 'Mogul Mowgli' effortlessly portrays conflict between ambition and family

The film follows a British Pakistani rapper who, on the cusp of his first world tour, is struck down by an illness


Entertainment Desk September 30, 2020
SCREENGRAB

The official theatrical trailer for Bassam Tariq’s visceral feature debut Mogul Mowgli has been released. It is co-written by and stars Riz Ahmed. The film also marks the debut of documentary film-maker Tariq, who co-wrote the screenplay with the star himself – making it Ahmed's screenwriting feature debut and making full use of his talents as hip-hop star Riz MC. 

"They all ask you from - Nah, where you really from," the trailer begins. "Everybody, everywhere want their country back - If you want me back to where I'm from then bruv, I need a map," he chants.

The film follows a British-Pakistani rapper who, on the cusp of his first world tour, is struck down by an illness that threatens to derail his big break. The film will be part of the Dare Strand at this year’s 64th BFI London Film Festival, with virtual and physical screenings beginning on October 10. 

Mogul Mowgli grew out of conversations Bassam and I had over a few years, about coming from a certain background economically and culturally and now earning our livings as artists,” said Ahmed to Empire. “We wanted to tell a story about the tension that exists between pursuing your own ambitions and connecting to the people that matter – yourself, your family, your loved ones.”

The film will then have its general release in the UK and Ireland on October 30. 

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