Mogul Mowgli
Mogul Mowgli, directed by Bassam Tariq, is a profoundly intimate tale of adjustment, layered in societal pressures and identity. Coupled with a wonderfully spirited and stunning central performance from Riz Ahmed, who continues in his personal journey analysing ethnic diversity and life in compelling circumstances.
Shot in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 by cinematographer Annika Summerson, the intimacy using an authentic, homemade aesthetic crafts a tremendously organic nature to the events that unfold. Being more organic, there is a strong sense of honesty that surrounds this feature, bringing enlightening and dark themes to the table. The film is almost inescapable at times due to its claustrophobic nature but contextually attributed perfectly to feel the paranoia and uncertainty of Ahmed’s character Zed's mental and physical state.
All of these elements result in a performance from Ahmed that showcases a tremendous level of skill and depth from the consistent actor. Ahmed not only juggles a character that is positioned in physical distress but one that is struggling on a psychological level as well. The latter of which is a spectacular turn for the performer in a role layered delicately. Subtle cues that are nuanced in an esoteric role yet superbly implemented with small, albeit effective, emotive ways that heighten the emotional response from the viewer, as well as elevate Ahmed's performance.
The aforementioned thematic weight of adjustment and claustrophobia is profoundly examined with gravitas and edge. Mogul Mowgli is nowhere near a romanticisation of faith and family but a brutally honest depiction and reflective examination of said themes. Writer-director Bassam Tariq alongside co-writer Riz Ahmed explores such with an otherworldly and internally destructive nature of the rich being brought back down to earth. Scrutinising how Zed has to readjust to a new way of life physically and evolve his relationship with parents by having faith in himself, while also exploring his family's faith, is a captivating notion to behold. Specifically, Zed's readjustment with accepting his father's – played by the outstanding Alyy Khan – nobility in protecting his son. A captivating theme that relays itself within the story multiple times in a gripping act of morality.
Bassam Tariq and Riz Ahmed's Mogul Mowgli is a sincere and spellbinding exploration of faith and family. Led by a tremendous thematic weight and two efficacious and dominating performances from Ahmed and Alyy Khan, who together craft a stalwart and utterly stunning turn in their dynamic.
