10 Underrated Films by Riz Ahmed You Must See

Riz Ahmed boasts an impressive portfolio spanning major productions and personal projects, with some of his most compelling performances found in films that didn’t quite receive their due attention. This compilation highlights ten projects where he brings depth to complex narratives and works alongside renowned directors from the UK, Europe, South Asia, and America. His roles range from leading parts, secondary but significant contributions, co-writing duties, and creative collaborations, showcasing his versatility.

Each selection provides specific details that allow you to quickly identify and grasp the film’s essence. You will find out who the director is, the subject matter, the locations where it was filmed, and any festivals or awards it has received recognition for. The aim is to provide you with comprehensive information to help you easily choose your next movie to watch.

‘Shifty’ (2008)

In this London-set crime drama, Eran Creevy serves as the director, having received backing from Film London Microwave scheme for microbudget features with expedited timelines. Riz Ahmed takes on the role of a street-level drug dealer, whose day unfolds in parallel with his friend’s visit. The filming locations mainly feature outer East London, and the production was completed in just a few weeks due to its compact shooting schedule.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share my excitement over a film that has truly caught my eye. This masterpiece didn’t just garner nods from prestigious British independent awards; it shone a spotlight on the budding talent hidden within its cast and crew.

Daniel Mays, a remarkable co-star, is one such example of this burgeoning talent. Interestingly, the production of this film underscores the transformative power of the Microwave model. By cleverly combining limited resources with captivating scripts and local crews, it demonstrates how such an approach can skyrocket careers. Simply put, this movie is a testament to the magic that can happen when talent meets opportunity.

‘Ill Manors’ (2012)

In this work, musician and filmmaker Ben Drew (also known as Plan B) weaves together a tale set in East London, incorporating real-life scenarios and original music to provide insight into the characters. Riz Ahmed portrays Aaron and forms the central focus of one of the interwoven storylines. The cast includes both professional actors and non-professionals, as well as on-location filming across various London estates.

The project came accompanied by an additional album, which enriched its narrative universe with melodies and set it apart cinematically. The unique style of the film was cultivated through a production method that combined social realism, swift scheduling techniques, and community-based casting auditions. Subsequently, it garnered acclaim at independent British award events.

‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ (2012)

Film director Mira Nair transforms Mohsin Hamid’s novel into a gripping story about a Pakistani finance professional’s rise in America, followed by an intense interview with a journalist. Riz Ahmed plays the lead role as Changez Khan, while notable actors like Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber, and Kiefer Sutherland are also part of the cast. The film features scenes shot in Lahore, Istanbul, and New York.

I had the privilege of being part of a remarkable film project that debuted at prestigious film festivals worldwide. This endeavor united talented crews from various countries under Mahesh Nair’s long-standing production banner. The movie is unique in its use of dialogue spoken in two languages and heavily emphasizes location photography to create an immersive experience. Through compelling characters, it explores themes of identity, media, and security in a character-driven narrative.

‘Trishna’ (2011)

Michael Winterbottom transposes a timeless Thomas Hardy tale onto the backdrops of Rajasthan and Mumbai, crafting a modern drama centered around themes of class and power. Riz Ahmed takes on the role of Jay Singh, alongside Freida Pinto, in this production that boasts extensive location shooting, capturing the vibrancy of bustling city streets and serene rural landscapes to underscore the transformations in the characters’ lives.

This production adopts a style using natural light, handheld cameras, and a blend of Hindi and English dialogues. It has been showcased in numerous international film festivals, furthering Winterbottom’s tradition of combining classic literature with contemporary backdrops and compact film crews.

‘City of Tiny Lights’ (2016)

In a new twist on the traditional London noir genre, director Pete Travis transforms Patrick Neate’s novel into an electrifying, neon-lit story. Riz Ahmed plays the lead role of Tommy Akhtar, a private investigator who delves deep into a complex case involving property transactions, local politics, and long-forgotten friendships. The filming takes place in various West London neighborhoods.

In a subsequent event, the movie made its debut in Toronto, followed by a showing at the BFI London Film Festival. Joining the cast are Billie Piper and Cush Jumbo. The production skillfully blends timeless detective elements with modern-day details of London, featuring settings like religious communities, sports bars, and minicab offices operating late into the night.

‘Mogul Mowgli’ (2020)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must confess that “Sound of Metal” is a masterpiece I simply cannot overlook. In this extraordinary production, I, Riz Ahmed, collaborate with the brilliant director Bassam Tariq to bring forth a compelling narrative. I portray a British Pakistani rapper whose life takes an unexpected turn when illness halts my career on the brink of a monumental tour.

The film seamlessly weaves together original music, a blend of Urdu and English dialogues, and visually captivating sequences inspired by South Asian performance traditions and family memories. This unique fusion creates an immersive experience that stays with you long after the final credits roll.

The movie made its debut in the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival and garnered several awards at the British Independent Film Awards. It was produced by Pulse Films and financed by partners specializing in artist-driven projects, showcasing intimate filmmaking style with strong sound design and close-up framing.

‘Four Lions’ (2010)

In this film, Chris Morris serves as the director for a satirical production by Warp Films that follows an unskilled gang of aspiring militants in Northern England. Riz Ahmed portrays Omar, who joins Nigel Lindsay, Kayvan Novak, and Adeel Akhtar on screen. The film was primarily shot in Sheffield and London, with the script informed by extensive research sessions before production began.

The movie garnered accolades from prominent British comedy organizations, serving as a focal point for debates on satire and extremism in contemporary media. Its creation involved on-site shoots, a modest budget, and a script shaped by extensive interviews and journalist-style brainstorming sessions in writers’ rooms.

‘Una’ (2016)

In this new venture, acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews steps into the realm of filmmaking for the first time, adapting David Harrower’s renowned stage play. Notable performances are given by Riz Ahmed, Rooney Mara, and Ben Mendelsohn. The narrative takes place in both a professional environment and a secluded coastal home, with production set primarily in the UK.

The cinematography of this movie highlights bare, intimate settings and close, focused shots, mirroring the original play’s essence. This film has been showcased at international film festivals, receiving praise for its talented three-member cast and skillful adaptation from stage to screen, maintaining a powerful two-person dynamic throughout.

‘Centurion’ (2010)

Neil Marshall directs a gripping survival action drama, set in Roman Britain, which centers around a group of soldiers stranded behind enemy lines from the legendary Ninth Legion. Riz Ahmed, Michael Fassbender, Dominic West, and Olga Kurylenko make up the central band of fighters. Filming takes place at Scottish locations, providing rugged landscapes and severe weather conditions.

This production includes realistic action scenes, horse rides through rugged terrains, and wardrobe designed for tough handling in scenic, off-the-beaten-path locations. It aligns with Marshall’s series of powerful genre movies and highlights Ahmed’s early role in a challenging ensemble part that necessitated extensive preparation.

‘The Road to Guantanamo’ (2006)

This production, titled “The Road to Guantanamo,” is skillfully directed by Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross. It’s a unique blend of actual interviews and fictionalized reenactments focusing on the Tipton Three. Riz Ahmed assumes the role of Shafiq Rasul in the scripted segments, while the filmmakers intelligently combine their own testimony with staged scenes to depict their journey, capture, and imprisonment.

The movie was awarded prizes at the Berlin International Film Festival, garnering substantial public interest due to its broadcast on television and screenings in theaters. Its unique production style combines journalistic approaches with those of independent filmmaking. This is achieved by utilizing handheld cameras, archival footage, and a compact cast to portray events spanning various countries authentically.

1) Here’s a list of movies I intend to watch soon, and I’d love to hear about any surprising Riz Ahmed performances that you think are worth watching!

For this paraphrase, I aimed to create a more conversational tone while maintaining the original structure and content. The phrase “Share the films you plan to watch next” was rephrased as “Here’s a list of movies I intend to watch soon,” and the prompt to comment about a lesser-known Riz Ahmed performance was rephrased as “I’d love to hear about any surprising Riz Ahmed performances that you think are worth watching!

2025-08-21 01:46