Riz Ahmed's Hamlet: A London South Asian Take

Riz Ahmed hopes his modern, South Asian adaptation of Hamlet will encourage audiences to connect with the classic story. It has taken the British-Pakistani actor 13 years to develop this version, which is set in London and stars him as the titular character within a prominent British South Asian family.

The film, directed by Aneil Karia, delves into the themes of honour and family, which director Karia noted resonate deeply with contemporary South Asian culture. The adaptation draws parallels between Shakespeare's play and ancient myths, even beginning with lines from the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita.

Ahmed expressed his desire for the story to be seen as universally relatable, transcending cultural boundaries. He believes that sharing stories like Hamlet, which are rooted in deep, ancient myths, contributes to a shared culture. The action-thriller adaptation aims for a visceral experience, reflecting the pressure and constant movement inherent in the story, making it feel grounded and relatable for today's audiences. The film is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on Friday.