Kumail Nanjiani Reveals the Movie That Changed His Life
Kumail Nanjiani opens up about the film that inspired his comedy career, sharing why Richard Curtis’ Four Weddings and a Funeral holds a special place in his heart and how it shaped his journey from Karachi to Hollywood.
Fans of Taskmaster are buzzing with excitement after the cast for the show’s 21st season was announced. Even those who haven’t tuned in for years are taking notice, especially with the addition of Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, and, perhaps most notably, Kumail Nanjiani. Nanjiani’s journey from New York stand-up stages to starring roles in major productions has made him a household name, particularly in the United States. His breakout came with HBO ’s Silicon Valley, followed by co-writing and starring in the Oscar- nominated The Big Sick in 2017. That success opened doors to big-budget films like Men in Black: International and a leading role in Jordan Peele ’s reboot of The Twilight Zone.
His biggest leap came with Marvel ’s Eternals in 2021, a film many expected to launch a new franchise. Despite a strong box office showing, the movie was widely seen as a disappointment, and the harsh reviews took a toll on Nanjiani. He later shared that he sought therapy to cope with the aftermath. Still, he kept moving forward, landing a part in Disney ’s Star Wars spin-off Obi-Wan Kenobi alongside Ewan McGregor. More recently, Nanjiani returned to his roots in stand-up, earning praise for his TV special Night Thoughts.
Finding Inspiration in an Unexpected Place
What’s particularly interesting is the source of Nanjiani’s inspiration to pursue comedy. Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, before moving to the U.S. at 18, he found himself captivated by a distinctly British film: Richard Curtis’ 1994 romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. He saw Hugh Grant’s character as delivering an extended stand-up act, especially during the memorable best man’s speech. That performance sparked a desire in Nanjiani to make a living giving wedding speeches, which he realized was closest to stand-up comedy.
When asked about his all-time favorite film, Nanjiani didn’t hesitate.
I would say Four Weddings and a Funeral, just because I have seen it the most times, and I just love it every time. It’s so funny and charming, and everybody’s great in it. It just looks good. It just feels good. I’d be lying if I put any other movie on top, because that’s the movie I’ve seen the most.
A Film That Left a Mark
Upon its release in the early ‘90s, Four Weddings and a Funeral was a game-changer. It catapulted Hugh Grant to international stardom and set Richard Curtis on a path to write future hits like Love Actually and Notting Hill, the latter also starring Grant. The film’s blend of humor and heart clearly resonated with Nanjiani, shaping his comedic sensibilities and influencing his career choices.
Beyond Taskmaster, Nanjiani has been busy with other projects, including a role in the popular video game adaptation Fallout. He’s also working on a new spin-off in the Insidious universe called Thread, where he stars opposite Mandy Moore. The story follows a couple who travel back in time to save their daughter, only to face unexpected consequences when they meddle with ancient magic.