“Everyone is rotten in this show. It’s kind of punk”

“Everyone is rotten in this show. It’s kind of punk”

As a film enthusiast who has had the privilege of traversing through various cinematic worlds, I must say that Kaos has left an indelible mark in my heart and mind. The blend of humor, horror, and Greek mythology, crafted by Charlie Covell, is nothing short of extraordinary.


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Nabhaan Rizwan vividly remembers the breathtaking experience he shared with his Kaos co-stars, Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer, while swimming in the crystal-clear waters off Istria in the Adriatic Sea during the initial stages of filming. The divine roles they played called for opulent yacht rides and lavish five-star accommodations.

“Reflecting on it now, I was struck by the thought, ‘What an amazing project! Making wonderful connections and creating marvelous experiences.’ It seemed as if this setting was tailor-made for divine encounters.”

In a fresh take by Charlie Covell on ancient Greek mythology, a 27-year-old actor portraying Dionysus, Zeus’s son and god of wine and ecstasy, creates a serene image. However, this adaptation infuses humor and terror into the tranquil Olympian existence. Rizwan appreciatively notes, “Every character in this series is flawed.” He further explains, “It has a punk vibe because each character messes up on an epic scale, faces repercussions, and chaos ensues. Just when you think everything’s going smoothly, something catastrophic happens, or a horrendous act is committed, which turns the world upside down.”

In our encounter with Dionysus, we find him immersed in an endless cycle of pleasure and indulgence, a lifestyle that was once satisfying but now feels routine. Seeking a fresh endeavor, he yearns for something more. This is the state where Dionysus finds himself – constantly partying, experiencing life’s wildest delights, yet feeling unfulfilled and uncertain about his own depth. He struggles to connect with others in a meaningful way.

“Everyone is rotten in this show. It’s kind of punk”

Dionysus’ longing for a sense of meaning will draw him into a growing family conflict that could quickly become quite nasty. Besides Hera, his stealthy stepmother who can transform individuals into bees at her leisure, both mighty gods Poseidon and Hades – his uncles in theory – are engaged in a power struggle.

The actor, born in Essex in 1997 to Pakistani parents, expresses his admiration for his family, stating, “My relatives are truly exceptional.” His father was a playwright, his brother Mawaan a renowned stand-up comedian, creator, and star of the BBC3 Bafta-winning comedy Juice, in which Nabhaan also appeared along with their mother, Shahnaz Rizwan. What makes this even more special is that all three of us work in the same field and have collaborated together on projects. Unlike Olympic athletes who each pursue their individual paths, the actor’s family members support one another without any competition or negativity. He considers himself fortunate for this unique bond.

“Everyone is rotten in this show. It’s kind of punk”

Rizwan is strikingly attractive and his acting is both mischievous and captivating – qualities that certainly caught Goldblum’s attention. The first time they met, Goldblum commented, “Ah, Nabhaan, your eyes are like delicious almonds.” During filming breaks, Goldblum would often play the piano and sing. As Rizwan puts it, “Let me tell you, when Jeff is at the piano and serenading you, it’s a unique and memorable moment.”

Similar to his fellow cast members, Rizwan finds the universe crafted by showrunner Covell fascinating, perceiving it as a partial allegory for contemporary politics, where the gods’ self-centered and cunning actions mirror “our leaders, and how they can be amusing and terrifying simultaneously.” Moreover, he considers it a critique of modern culture’s fixation on fame. Upon reading the scripts for Kaos, he immediately related it to the rise of celebrity culture. “I instantly thought of the emergence of celebrities,” he says, “and how much we focus on them, and idolize them. We’re getting quicker and closer access into their lives, thoughts, and opinions. That’s a form of worship.”

Living like a god sounds tedious, the ennui would be overwhelming

Was Rizwan, who played both Raza and a significant character in the 2018 BBC series “Informer” and a minor role in Sam Mendes’s Academy Award-winning World War I drama “1917” (2019), ever daunted by Goldblum’s Hollywood fame? Rizwan, who hadn’t even been born when the first “Jurassic Park” was released in 1993, stated, “He’s my idol.” However, he enjoys meeting everyone that comes his way. He extends his hand and says, “Nice to meet you,” and then takes it from there, hoping for a wonderful encounter. In this instance, it turned out to be more than just a great experience; it exceeded expectations.

“Like the best actors, Jeff is completely singular in everything he does. He’s a singular voice. And I really, really admire that. And then to work with him is just pure joy. Everything he touches, this man, he turns into gold. He’s got the Midas touch.”

“Suppose we presented Rizwan an opportunity for a divine lifestyle? He responds by expressing it seems monotonous, the boredom would become unbearable. Everlasting life doesn’t appear meaningful to him. He believes our existence is temporary, and everyone shares this path. The only thing definite is our demise. Although that sounds somber, he finds it useful. It serves as a reminder to engage in meaningful activities, to cherish every moment with loved ones.”

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2024-08-23 13:04