Director: Majid Majidi
Cast: Mehdi Pakdel, Sare Bayat, Mina Sadati, Alireza Shojanoori, Dariush Farhang
Mohammad Rasoul Allah is a 2015 Iranian historical epic directed by Majid Majidi, chronicling the early life of the Prophet Muhammad from birth through childhood and youth in seventh-century Mecca — one of the most ambitious and visually monumental productions ever undertaken by Iranian cinema.
What is Mohammad Rosoul Allah about?
Set in the Arabian Peninsula during a period of deep social upheaval, the film follows the young Muhammad as he grows up in Mecca amid tribal conflict, poverty, and spiritual yearning. Orphaned at an early age, he is raised by his grandfather and then his uncle, learning the values of honesty, compassion, and justice from those around him. The story traces the forces — both human and historical — that shaped the character of a figure who would go on to transform the world, without crossing into the years of prophecy. The production recreates the sights and rhythms of pre-Islamic Arabia with extraordinary attention to period detail, placing the audience inside a world rarely depicted on screen.
The K-Time take
Majidi brings the same observational warmth he applied to Iranian village life in earlier work to this far grander canvas. The film is notable for its restraint — it never depicts the Prophet's face directly, a choice that keeps the narrative grounded in atmosphere and supporting characters rather than hagiography. At 171 minutes it is deliberately paced, but the visual craftsmanship and the emotional weight of the ensemble carry the length.
Cast & crew
Majid Majidi, one of Iran's most internationally recognized directors, leads this production with a cast assembled across multiple countries. Mehdi Pakdel and Sare Bayat head the Iranian contingent, with Mina Sadati, Alireza Shojanoori, Dariush Farhang, and Mohsen Tanabande rounding out the ensemble alongside Turkish performers Murat Şenol and Ali Ekber Diribaş.
Context & significance
For Iranian diaspora viewers, Mohammad Rasoul Allah carries layered significance. It represents a rare instance of Iranian cinema taking on a subject of global religious importance with full production resources — reportedly one of the most expensive films ever produced in Iran. Majidi's choice to portray the Prophet's formative years rather than his ministry allows audiences of varying backgrounds to engage with the human story. Persian-speaking communities abroad who grew up with religious narrative as a cultural touchstone will find the film's visual language and emotional register deeply familiar, while those approaching it purely as historical drama will encounter a richly realized portrait of ancient Arabia.
Where & how to watch
Mohammad Rasoul Allah is available on K-Time in its original language with no geo-blocking — watch on your browser, TV, or phone without any extra download or VPN. Original Arabic and Persian audio; English subtitles available. Cancel anytime.