'Blinded by the Light': Release date, plot, cast, trailer, and everything you need to know about Gurinder Chadha's ode to Bruce Springsteen
A few months after Danny Boyle's 'Yesterday' explored a world where the Beatles never existed, Gurinder Chadha's latest 'Blinded by the Light' puts The Boss's discography at the center of a young boy of color growing up in 80s Britain.
Set in the late 80s of Luton, UK, the story is based on journalist Sarfraz Manzoor’s memoir – 'Greetings from Bury Park' and follows the story of a Springsteen fanatic who uses music and poetry as a medium to cope with the intolerance and conservatism prevalent in his community. Having premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, the film's US premiere happens this week, so here's all you need to know about it.
Release date
'Blinded by the Light' comes to cinemas in the US on Friday, August 16.
Plot
In the year 1987, Javed, passionate about music, uses poetry to escape the conservative ideologies of his Pakistani father. And as racial tension and economic turmoil begin to take over their lives, he is introduced to the music of Springsteen by a classmate. Thus begins his coming of age story as he is able to sort of find himself reflecting through Springsteen's music, eventually be able to acquire cathartic relief, while also finding his own unique voice of expression.
Creator
Based on the book by Manzoor, the film adaptation comes from the brilliant Chadha, who is best known for her films like 'Bend it Like Beckham', 'Bride and Prejudice', and 'Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging'. As an Order of the British Empire award recipient, Chadha is an English filmmaker of Indian origins, and most of her works "explore the lives of Indians living in England. The common theme among her work showcases the trials of Indian women living in England and how they must reconcile their converging traditional and modern cultures."
Cast
Viveik Kalra, Danish in ITV drama 'Next of Kin' and about to star next to Colin Farell in the upcoming 'Voyagers', plays the role of Javed as his first big-screen appearance in 'Blinded by the Light'. He is joined by some stellar talents in British comedy, like Kulvinder Ghir from 'Goodness Gracious Me', and Hayley Atwell, who's most popular known as Peggy Carter in the Avengers franchise. Rob Brydon and Sally Phillips also star.
Trailer
Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year back in January, Blinded by the Light's trailer has been around for a while. Take a look at it below to witness the magic.
If you like this, you'll also love:
'Bend it Like Beckham', 'Bride and Prejudice', 'Viceroy's House', 'Bhaji on the Beach', and 'Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging'.