Mogul Mowgli

About Mogul Mowgli

Released in 2020, "Mogul Mowgli" is a British drama film directed by Bassam Tariq. In this film, a British-Pakistani rapper named Zed (played by Riz Ahmed), on the brink of his first world tour, is struck down by a debilitating illness. Forced to move back in with his family, he attempts to reconcile with his past in order to move forward.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Pulse Films and co-written by Riz Ahmed and director Bassam Tariq. The production is vivid and imaginative, capturing both the intimate struggle of Zed's illness and the larger narrative of his burgeoning rap career. It seamlessly blends the gritty reality of London's rap scene with the cultural and familial nuances that drive Zed's journey.

Actors

• Riz Ahmed as Zed: Ahmed delivers an astonishing performance as the protagonist, embodying the fervor and desperation of a driven artist thwarted by a sudden illness.
• Alyy Khan as Bashir: Playing Zed's disgruntled father, Khan paints a poignant portrait of traditional loyalty and fear for the son's future.
• Anjana Vasan as Vaseem: Vaseem, Zed's girlfriend, is portrayed by Vasan with heartbreaking clarity, caught between her support for Zed and her frustration at his inability to confront his past.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first full-length feature film directed by Bassam Tariq.
• Riz Ahmed also co-wrote the script and played the lead role.
• The movie was shot mainly in London and New York.
• The soundtrack features several musical styles, from British rap to traditional Qawwali music.

Awards

The film has garnered critical acclaim and was the winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival.

Quotes

• "You're not sick, you're weak. It's a difference." - Bashir
• "I'm more than what I've become, Mum. I'm not just some sick boy." - Zed
• "Your roots, they're not a curse, Zed. They're you. Your power." - Vaseem

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Paul Corley.
• Appear prominently on the soundtrack is the gripping single "Once Kings" by Riz Ahmed.
• Convergence themes are echoed in the soundtrack by including British rap and traditional Qawwali music.