‘You People’ and the Characters of Akbar and Fatima Mohammed
‘You People’ is a romantic comedy film directed by Kenya Barris and is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The movie revolves around the complicated love story between Ezra Cohen, a white Jewish man, and Amira Mohammed, a black Muslim woman. The involvement of Amira’s parents, Akbar and Fatima Mohammed, adds a layer of complexity to the plot as they have their own religious views and expectations.
Eddie Murphy as Akbar Mohammed
In the film, Eddie Murphy brilliantly portrays the character of Akbar Mohammed, the father of Amira. Akbar is an African-American man who takes immense pride in his heritage. He is vocal about the challenges faced by his community both in the country and globally. Akbar’s strong religious beliefs, particularly as a Muslim, play a significant role in the storyline.
Akbar Mohammed is depicted as a devout Muslim who believes that devotion is a crucial aspect of a person’s life. He credits his successful marriage to his unwavering faith. Through his portrayal, it becomes evident that Akbar follows the practices and principles of Sunni Islam. However, it is important to note that in reality, Eddie Murphy, the actor who brings Akbar to life on screen, is not Muslim.
Eddie Murphy is widely known for his roles in several iconic films such as the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ series and the comedy film ‘Coming to America’ and its sequel. While Murphy identifies as a baptized Catholic, he delivers a convincing performance as Akbar Mohammed, showcasing the character’s deep religious and cultural devotion. His portrayal provides a humorous and dynamic contrast to the film’s protagonist, Ezra Cohen.
Nia Long as Fatima Mohammed
Nia Long, an accomplished actress, takes on the role of Fatima Mohammed, the wife of Akbar and the mother of Amira. Although Fatima has a relatively smaller role in the movie, her character contributes significantly to the narrative. Similar to her husband, Fatima is a devout Muslim who firmly believes in the teachings and values of her religion.
Nia Long gained prominence in the 1990s through her role as Beullah “Lisa” Wilkes in the NBC sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ She is also recognized for her portrayal of EAD Shay Mosley in the procedural drama ‘NCIS: Los Angeles.’ Long, who has Trinidadian heritage through her mother, is not a Muslim in real life, contrary to her character in ‘You People.’
In fact, Nia Long reportedly identifies as Christian. She was raised in a Christian family in Brooklyn, New York. Despite her personal beliefs differing from her character’s, Long delivers a compelling performance as Fatima Mohammed, a mother who tries to accommodate Ezra’s family for the sake of her daughter’s happiness.
Conclusion
‘You People’ is a romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of love, religion, and cultural differences. The film showcases the talents of Eddie Murphy and Nia Long, who portray the characters of Akbar and Fatima Mohammed with authenticity and depth. While Akbar Mohammed is a devout Muslim in the movie, Eddie Murphy is a baptized Catholic in real life. Similarly, Nia Long, who plays Fatima Mohammed, is not Muslim but identifies as Christian.
Their performances contribute to the overall storyline and highlight the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their interfaith relationship. ‘You People’ serves as an entertaining exploration of love and cultural diversity, shedding light on the importance of understanding and acceptance in relationships.
Read More: Is Lauren London Muslim as Shown in You People?