Oscar-Winning Hollywood Actor Riz Ahmed Sends a Special Message for Indian Filmmaker Chand Mohammad’s JUNGLYWOOD Trailer
Oscar-Winning Hollywood Actor Riz Ahmed Sends a Special Message for Indian Filmmaker Chand Mohammad’s JUNGLYWOOD Trailer
Mumbai: Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can leave a lasting impact, especially on young and budding talents. Director Chand Mohammad experienced one such special moment recently when he received appreciation from Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed for the trailer of his upcoming film, JUNGLYWOOD.
A British-Pakistani actor, rapper and filmmaker, Riz Ahmed has carved a distinct place for himself in international cinema by challenging stereotypes and prejudices. His journey began with independent films such as The Road to Guantanamo, Shifty, Four Lions and Ill Manors. However, he gained wider international recognition for his performance alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the 2014 film Nightcrawler.
Riz went on to break new ground for South Asian representation in the West, becoming the first Muslim man to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series in 2017 for The Night Of. He later earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Sound of Metal and won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film for The Long Goodbye in 2022.
Inspired by Riz’s work and the path he has paved for Muslim artists in global cinema, Chand initiated his first conversation with the actor about a month ago. The director reached out to Riz, asking if he could share the trailer of his upcoming film, JUNGLYWOOD, with him. Having shared the link without any expectations, Chand was pleasantly surprised by Riz’s response, which offered him words of encouragement that he continues to cherish.
Riz responded to Chand, saying, “Hello bro, this video is so so good… to me you’re already a pro in the business.”
The subject of JUNGLYWOOD holds special significance for Chand, as the film explores the struggles of outsiders in the entertainment industry. Naturally, receiving words of encouragement from an internationally acclaimed artist like Riz makes the moment even more meaningful for the filmmaker.
As for JUNGLYWOOD, the gritty dark comedy explores the behind-the-scenes realities of the film industry through a fictional, darkly comic thriller. The film features Shaan R Grover, Irina Rudakova and Deepak Kalra in pivotal roles, alongside emerging talents and newcomers Akash Jagga, Dia Singh, Niya Bapalawat, Anoushka Chauhan, Twinkle Arora and Pushpit.
Written and directed by Chand Mohammad, JUNGLYWOOD is a Moon Side Films
