Written by Syrian screenwriter Mahmoud Abdul Karim, the series, named “Babul Murad”-- a title given to Imam Reza (AS) -- involves six countries in its production: Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain, the IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) announced Thursday in a press release.
The series depicts the birth of the Imam in Medina in 811, the companionship of his father, the martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS) when he was poisoned by the Abbasid Caliph Mamun in the year 818, and his own martyrdom.
Shooting has been in progress for the last two months and is estimated to be completed within the next two months.
Iranian costume designer Mohsen Musavi, stage designer Majid Mirfakhraii and cinematographer Yadollah Najafi are collaborating in this project.
Lebanese Shia cleric Sheikh Ali al-Kourani and several Iranian clerics are the religious advisors who are collaborating in the project.
A cast of 120 members from Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iran are acting in the series.
Syrian actors Wael Ramadan, Bashar Ismail, Nadin Khoury, Iraqi actor Sadiq Abbas, Lebanese actors Ali Saad, Jamal Hamdan, Ali Tahan, Bahraini actor Adel shams, and Iranian actors Mahmud Rahmani, Ahmad Kaveri, Ali Ebadi and Mohammad Faran are among the major cast members of the series.