Comedian David Baddiel wrote the film The Infidel and turned a wry eye on the cross cultural/religious identity comedy.
Omid Djalili is Mahmud Nasir, a not very devout Muslim but does his best to fit in with the Muslim community. However he learns that he was adopted and his parents were in fact Jewish. This causes embarrassment as his son is due to marry the step daughter of a controversial Muslim cleric and Mahmud needs to appear pious in order to get the cleric's blessing.
At the same time Mahmud wants to track down his real father and a Jewish neighbor whom he confides in helps him to learn about his Jewishness.
This is a refreshing life swap comedy and it helps that Baddiel has a sharp sense in portraying Muslims from the Indian subcontinent living in modern London which actually feels realistic as well as adding satire. Look at the way the cleric has a couple of goons always on hand or the way the cleric asks Mahmud to swear whether alcohol has passed his lips.
Baddiel who is Jewish also pokes fun at the Jewish community especially at those offended when Mahmud accidentally burns a Kippah and then go to protest outside his house and are later shocked when he announces his origins.
The film is a lot of fun. Richard Schiff and Omid Djalili bounce of well with each other.
Omid Djalili is Mahmud Nasir, a not very devout Muslim but does his best to fit in with the Muslim community. However he learns that he was adopted and his parents were in fact Jewish. This causes embarrassment as his son is due to marry the step daughter of a controversial Muslim cleric and Mahmud needs to appear pious in order to get the cleric's blessing.
At the same time Mahmud wants to track down his real father and a Jewish neighbor whom he confides in helps him to learn about his Jewishness.
This is a refreshing life swap comedy and it helps that Baddiel has a sharp sense in portraying Muslims from the Indian subcontinent living in modern London which actually feels realistic as well as adding satire. Look at the way the cleric has a couple of goons always on hand or the way the cleric asks Mahmud to swear whether alcohol has passed his lips.
Baddiel who is Jewish also pokes fun at the Jewish community especially at those offended when Mahmud accidentally burns a Kippah and then go to protest outside his house and are later shocked when he announces his origins.
The film is a lot of fun. Richard Schiff and Omid Djalili bounce of well with each other.