Watch Halal Daddy

Halal Daddy is a 2017 Irish comedy-drama film directed by Conor McDermottroe, starring Sarah Bolger, Colm Meaney, and Nikesh Patel. The film follows the story of Raghdan Aziz (Nikesh Patel), the son of a Pakistani father (Art Malik) and an Irish mother (Deirdre O'Kane), who returns to his hometown of Sligo from London to take over the family halal meat business after his father's death.

Upon his arrival, Raghdan discovers that the business is struggling financially and is in danger of being taken over by an unscrupulous businessman (David Kross), who is looking to establish a rival halal meat business in the area. Desperate to save his family's business, Raghdan comes up with a plan to convert a disused rural pig farm into a halal abattoir, which would enable him to supply meat to the whole of Ireland.

However, Raghdan soon realizes that he needs to overcome several complex obstacles to make his plan a reality. He has to win over the hearts and minds of the local community and convince them that his venture is not only halal but also environmentally friendly. With the help of his irreverent best friend, Jay (Colm Meaney), and his cousin, Kumail (Art Malik), Raghdan sets out to make his dream a reality.

Along the way, Raghdan falls in love with Maeve (Sarah Bolger), a feisty local girl who challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the beauty of Sligo, making him realize that it's the people who make the place, not the other way around. Raghdan and Maeve's love story adds a touch of romance to the humorous and heartwarming narrative.

The film beautifully captures the cultural differences between the East and the West, while celebrating the unifying power of food. The story touches on issues such as identity, belonging, and cultural heritage while presenting an interesting perspective on the concept of halal meat.

The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Nikesh Patel giving a compelling portrayal of the conflicted, ambitious, and endearing Raghdan. Sarah Bolger lights up the screen with her charisma and brings warmth to Maeve's character. Colm Meaney and Art Malik provide excellent supporting performances and add depth to the film's themes.

The film's cinematography does justice to the stunning natural beauty of Sligo, with the lush green landscapes and the vibrant town creating a visual treat. The music, composed by Cormac Curran, complements the story and adds an emotional resonance to the film's narrative.

Overall, Halal Daddy is a feel-good film that showcases the power of community, love, and determination in the face of adversity. The film blends humor and drama seamlessly and delivers a poignant message about the importance of following your dreams and staying true to your roots. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring cultural diversity, identity, and integration.