Oscar-Winning Hollywood Actor Riz Ahmed Sends Special Message for Indian Filmmaker Chand Mohammad’s ‘JUNGLYWOOD’ Trailer

In a massive moment of validation for independent Indian cinema, Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Riz Ahmed has extended a heartfelt message of appreciation to young Indian director Chand Mohammad for the trailer of his upcoming film, ‘JUNGLYWOOD’.

Riz Ahmed, an acclaimed British-Pakistani actor, rapper, and filmmaker, has long been a trailblazer for South Asian representation in global cinema. Known for powerhouse performances in Nightcrawler, The Night Of (for which he became the first Muslim actor to win an Emmy for Lead Actor), Sound of Metal, and his Oscar-winning short The Long Goodbye, Riz remains an inspiring figure for emerging Muslim and Asian creators worldwide.

A Surprise Message of Encouragement

Deeply inspired by Riz's groundbreaking career, Chand Mohammad reached out to the Hollywood star about a month ago, asking if he could share the trailer of JUNGLYWOOD. Having sent the link without any high expectations, Chand was pleasantly surprised when Riz personally watched the trailer and responded with high praise:

"Hello bro, this video is so so good… to me you’re already a pro in the business."

For Chand, receiving words of validation from an internationally revered artist carries immense emotional weight, especially given the thematic heart of his project.

Inside the World of ‘JUNGLYWOOD’

The subject of JUNGLYWOOD holds deep personal significance for Chand, as the film delves into the raw struggles, unwritten rules, and relentless spirit of outsiders attempting to make their mark in the entertainment industry. Formatted as a gritty, darkly comic thriller, the film offers a fictitious yet authentic peek into the behind-the-scenes realities of filmmaking.

Written and directed by Chand Mohammad under the banner of Moon Side Films, JUNGLYWOOD features an impressive ensemble cast led by Shaan R Grover, Irina Rudakova, and Deepak Kalra, alongside emerging talents Akash Jagga, Dia Singh, Niya Bapalawat, Anoushka Chauhan, Twinkle Arora, and Pushpit.

With early global encouragement from an Academy Award winner, JUNGLYWOOD is already carving a promising space for itself ahead of its release.