Blinded by the Light tells the story of Javed (Viveik Kalra), a British teen of Pakistani descent, growing up in the town of Luton, England, in 1987. Amidst the racial and economic turmoil of the times, he writes poetry as a means to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the inflexibility of his traditional father. But when a classmate introduces him to the music of “The Boss”, Javed sees parallels to his working-class life in Springsteen’s powerful lyrics. As Javed discovers a cathartic outlet for his own pent-up dreams, he also begins to find the courage to express himself in his own unique voice.
Blinded by the Light is a 2019 British musical comedy-drama film directed by Gurinder Chadha, inspired by the life of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor and his obsession with Bruce Springsteen. Manzoor co-wrote the script, with Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges. It is based on Manzoor’s acclaimed memoir Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock N’ Roll.
Set in the town of Luton in 1987 Thatcherite Britain, the film tells the coming-of-age story of Javed, a British-Pakistani Muslim teenager whose life is changed after he discovers the music of Springsteen. Viveik Kalra stars in the lead role, along with Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon, Kulvinder Ghir and Nell Williams in supporting roles.
It premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and will be released in the United Kingdom on 16 August 2019, by New Line Cinema. The film has received positive reviews from critics. It also received nominations for Best Film and Best Actor (for Viveik Kalra) at the 2019 SIFF Awards.
Blinded by the Light (2019)
Directed by: Gurinder Chadha
Starring: Viveik Kalra, Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon, Kulvinder Ghir, Nell Williams, Dean-Charles Chapman, Aaron Phagura, Sofia Abbasi, Sally Phillips, Vincent Andriano, Asheq Akhtar
Screenplay by: Paul Mayeda Berges, Gurinder Chadha, Sarfraz Manzoor
Production Design by: Nick Ellis
Cinematography by: Ben Smithard
Film Editing by: Justin Krish
Costume Design by: Annie Hardinge
Set Decoration by: Lucy Howe
Art Direction by: Lucy Howe
Music by: A.R. Rahman
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material and language including some ethnic slurs.
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema
Release Date: August 16, 2019
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