By Vincent Abbatecola
As is the case with any art form, music has the power to do many things, such as have us see our lives in a different way, or connect with a singer/musician who might be feeling the same things that we’re feeling. If you’re experiencing loneliness, listening to music can make you feel less so, and no matter what your favorite genre is, you’re guaranteed to find someone who has put your feelings into music and lyrics.
This is something that director Gurinder Chadha explores in her comedy-drama, Blinded by the Light, a heartwarming and inspirational movie that’s punctuated by a timely message, wonderful characters, and a story that celebrates the power of music.
In 1987, Javed Khan (Viveik Kalra) lives in Luton, England, with his Pakistani immigrant parents Malik and Noor (Kulvinder Ghir and Meera Ganatra) and his sisters Shazia (Nikita Mehta) and Yasmeen (Tara Divina). Javed wishes to escape his hometown and become a writer, of which his father disapproves. When his friend Roops (Aaron Phagura) introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Javed’s world is changed, and he begins to experience a renewed motivation to fulfill his dreams.
Kalra, in an energetic and passionate breakout performance, shows the audience what it means to have ambition for your dreams course through your veins. His enthusiasm to strive for bigger things is contagious, and when he begins to immerse himself in Springsteen, you feel the change that he experiences as he starts to view his surroundings in a different way. When Javed is faced with his father’s opposition, the urgency with which Kalva shows to make Javed’s father understand his dreams offers a strong sense of the significance of having your family’s support in your corner. As the film goes on and Javed begins to have a deeper understanding of why his father is the way he is, it leads to some poignant character growth that Kalra handles beautifully.
The interactions amongst the characters within the Khan family are emotional in how they have to deal with conflicting views on how they should live their lives as Pakistanis in England. They exhibit the strain and uncertainty that comes with the issues that they must face and how everything that they do for each other is out of love, even if one side might not see it as such right away. This is most notable in the dialogue between Javed and his father, where we always see them butting heads because of the father not encouraging his son to go after his dreams. This is the dramatic crux of the story, and the lack of understanding between these two characters drives the movie as Javed has to try to hide his eagerness for writing and enjoy it at the same time.
The screenplay by Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges (husband of Chadha, with whom he has co-written many of her films), and Sarfraz Manzoor (who inspired the character of Javed), is based on the latter’s memoir, “Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock N’Roll.” The story focuses on several things, but it dedicates enough time to each. We’re given plenty of set-up with Javed and his family, establishing who they are and their dynamics; and then we have the development of Javed’s love of writing and burgeoning enthusiasm for Springsteen. What’s admirable about the narrative is how between these two aspects, it also sheds light on the historical backdrop of the setting, displaying the country’s economic troubles and the racism that’s directed at Pakistani residents, showing the animosity that Javed and Roops face while out in a public, as well as a far-right rally with which Javed’s whole family is confronted. Just like the scenes with Javed’s family, the historical factor of the story helps to provide a more in-depth view of Javed’s life in England, showing us not only the disapproval that his family expresses towards him, but also the disapproval from other Englanders. This all adds to Javed’s journey of self-discovery as he must work to fend off the pushback that he experiences everyday.
Chadha does superb work in maintaining the apprehension that’s felt around the family when they have to figure out how to get through their troubles. She infuses a bit of humor here and there, but there’s always the drama within the family that anchors us to Javed’s emotional quest to make his aspirations come true. Chadha brings out both the love and tough love of the family at the center of the film, all of which gives us a detailed view of their day-to-day lives.
Although the occasional musical sequences can be a tad cheesy, Chadha captures the exuberance of Javed reveling in the music of “The Boss,”particularly in a scene where he, his girlfriend Eliza (Nell Williams), and Roops run through the streets of Luton as they sing and dance to “Born to Run.” These scenes allow us to experience the sense of freedom in which Javed relishes whenever he listens to Springsteen’s music, and you feel the opportunities opening around Javed as he continues to follow his new inspiration.
There’s an irresistible charm throughout Blinded by the Light that makes it one of the most enjoyable movies of the year. It’s a film with a heart that’s as big as its main character’s, and you’ll find yours filling up with joy as you share in Javed’s quest, a quest that reaffirms the importance of chasing your dream no matter what.
Grade: A-