Kumail Nanjiani Reveals the Film That Shaped His Comedy
Kumail Nanjiani opens up about the British film that sparked his love for comedy, sharing how it influenced his career and remains a cherished favourite.
Fans of Taskmaster are buzzing after the announcement of the line-up for its 21st series. Even those who drifted away from the show after its earlier runs have found themselves drawn back by the prospect of seeing Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, and, perhaps most notably, Kumail Nanjiani take part. Nanjiani, well-known across the Atlantic, has carved out a name for himself in stand-up, television, and film, with a career that’s seen him move from New York’s comedy circuit to starring in Silicon Valley and co-writing the Oscar-nominated The Big Sick.
His trajectory took him to the heart of Hollywood, landing roles in blockbusters like Men in Black: International and leading Jordan Peele’s reboot of The Twilight Zone. The real leap, though, came with Marvel’s Eternals in 2021. Hopes were high for a new franchise, but the film’s lukewarm reception and critical drubbing left Nanjiani reeling. He later spoke candidly about seeking therapy to cope with the fallout, a rare admission in an industry that prizes resilience above all else. Still, he pressed on, joining the cast of Disney’s Obi Wan Kenobi alongside Ewan McGregor and continuing to take on ambitious projects.
British Comedy’s Unlikely Influence
Recently, Nanjiani has returned to his roots in stand-up, with his special Night Thoughts earning praise. What’s perhaps most surprising is the source of his earliest inspiration—a British romantic comedy from the 1990s. Growing up in Karachi before moving to the States at 18, Nanjiani found himself captivated by Richard Curtis’ Four Weddings and a Funeral. He saw something in Hugh Grant’s awkward, rambling best man’s speech that felt akin to stand-up, and the idea of making a living by delivering wedding speeches all day struck him as rather appealing. Stand-up, he reasoned, was the next best thing.
When asked to name his all-time favourite, 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.”
The film, a sensation upon its release, propelled Hugh Grant to stardom and set Richard Curtis on a path to further hits like Love Actually and Notting Hill.
From Karachi to Hollywood
For Nanjiani, the appeal of Four Weddings and a Funeral went beyond its humour. The film’s blend of wit and warmth, its cast of memorable characters, and the way it captured the awkwardness of public speaking all left a mark. It’s not the sort of film you’d expect to inspire a career in American stand-up, but for Nanjiani, it was transformative. The notion that a film could be both hilarious and deeply human resonated with him, shaping his approach to comedy and storytelling.
While his career has taken him from sitcoms to sci-fi epics, Nanjiani’s affection for Curtis’ classic remains undimmed. He’s continued to branch out, appearing in the adaptation of Fallout and working on a new project, Thread, a spin-off from the Insidious universe. In Thread, he stars opposite Mandy Moore as a parent desperate to change the past, only to find that meddling with time rarely ends well.
New Ventures and Enduring Favourites
Despite the ups and downs of Hollywood, Nanjiani’s admiration for Four Weddings and a Funeral endures. The film’s influence can be traced through his work, from the self-deprecating humour of his stand-up to the heartfelt moments in his scripts. It’s a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and that a single film can shape a career in ways no one could predict.