Watch The Infidel

The Infidel is a 2010 British comedy film directed by Josh Appignanesi and written by David Baddiel. The film revolves around the life of a proud Muslim man named Mahmud Nasir (Omid Djalili) who discovers that he was adopted and is actually a Jew. Mahmud faces various challenges while trying to accept his new identity and reconcile it with his Muslim heritage.

The film begins by introducing us to Mahmud, a successful Moussem bookshop owner and father of two. Mahmud loves his Muslim faith and traditions but finds himself at odds with his radical son Rashid (Amit Shah), who has turned into a devout follower of Islam and frequently clashes with his father. Things take a dramatic turn when Mahmud's mother passes, and he discovers a birth certificate revealing that he was adopted as a baby.

Mahmud takes the revelation in stride until he realizes that he was actually born a Jew named Solly Shimshillewitz. Mahmud, at first, denies this possibility, but with his adoptive parents long lost and his natural father dead, Mahmud has no choice but to set out to discover his true identity.

Desperate to find some answers to his questions, Mahmud breaks into his birth mother's house and finds out that she is Jewish. Mahmud is in a state of shock, and it takes him a while to accept the fact that he had been brought up as a Muslim when he was, in fact, of Jewish heritage. Things get complicated when Mahmud realizes that his marriage to his wife Saamiya (Archie Panjabi) would have to be annulled as his Muslim marriage is not considered valid in the eyes of Jewish law.

Mahmud's journey to discover his true identity leads him to meet his real father (Richard Schiff), who was left to raise Mahmud's brother when his mother left the family to move back to Israel. Mahmud's father initially rejects his long-lost son but eventually comes around to accept him.

The film is an exploration of identity, cultural and religious clashes, and what it means to be British. The Infidel tackles the often-sensitive subject of religion with humor and ease. The film doesn't disrespect either religion and instead focuses on the universal experience of wanting to belong somewhere.

Djalili's comic brilliance is on full display in the film, and he perfectly captures Mahmud's emotional struggles. Archie Panjabi delivers a notable performance as Mahmud's wife, who is a tough, independent woman grappling with her identity as well. Schiff's portrayal of Mahmud's father is equally impressive, and he brings a depth of emotion to his character, which is touching.

The Infidel is a film that delves deep into the human psyche and explores the complex issues of cultural and racial identity with humor, sensitivity, and intelligence. It’s an exceptional film that, while it might not have been a commercial or critical hit, perfectly captures the diversity of South Asian heritage in the United Kingdom. It is also an exemplary film that brings together diverse cultures and celebrates the unique blend of British multiculturalism. The film appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and its message of unity and acceptance is a potent one that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll. Becoming familiar with this film is an opportunity to appreciate the richness of diversity and the importance of embracing differences.

The Infidel is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 57.