Riz Ahmed (2021 Oscar Best Actor nominee, SOUND OF METAL) shines in this semi-autobiographical story of an aspiring rapper that he co-wrote with director Bassam Tariq. Ahmed stars as Zed, a British-Pakastani rapper based in New York City. On the verge of a European tour, Zed returns to see his family in West London. While there, Zed is challenged by long standing tensions with his father and a mystery illness that soon becomes all consuming.
“An established rapper in his own right, for many of the songs in the film can be found on his 2020 album The Long Goodbye, Ahmed’s own internal turmoil about appropriation and identity pour out through his performance…. A vibrant and complex exploration of identity, MOGUL MOWGLI is yet another reminder that Riz Ahmed is having one fantastic year.” —Courtney Small, That Shelf “Raw intensity permeates Ahmed’s performance; one that is grounded in the obvious authenticity he brings to the role, especially when he spits electrifying verses, as well as the grainy, naturalistic quality of cinematographer Annika Summerson’s isolating imagery, presented in a boxy 4:3 aspect ratio.” —Hanna Flint, Empire
