---
title: "Blinded by the Light"
year: 2019
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/blinded-by-the-light"
fi1m_id: "blinded-by-the-light"
imdb_id: "tt8266310"
tmdb_id: 534259
wikidata_id: "Q60738658"
fi1m_score: 76
critics_score: 73
critics_reviews: 25
published: "2026-10-25"
updated: "2026-10-25T23:52:43.327047+00:00"
region: "DK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Blinded by the Light (2019)

Directed by Gurinder Chadha · 1h 57m · Medierådet 7 · Drama, Comedy

## Identity

Blinded by the Light

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/blinded-by-the-light
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** blinded-by-the-light
- **IMDb ID:** tt8266310
- **TMDB ID:** 534259
- **Wikidata ID:** Q60738658
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8266310/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/534259, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60738658

**Fi1m score: 76** · Critics 73 from 25 reviews

*In a sentence:* One teenager discovers Bruce Springsteen and everyone else has to clear their evening

> Gurinder Chadha’s coming-of-age film is warm, funny and carried by Viveik Kalra’s unguarded enthusiasm. The Bruce Springsteen devotion gets repetitive, but the family scenes give us good reason to stay with this overexcited teenager.

## Synopsis

In 1980s Luton, British Pakistani teenager Javed (Viveik Kalra) discovers Bruce Springsteen’s music. The songs give him a way to express frustrations that racism and family expectations have made difficult to put into words. His enthusiasm begins to take over a life that also includes Malik (Kulvinder Ghir), Roops (Aaron Phagura) and Eliza (Nell Williams). Through a Walkman, the lyrics start to sound as though they have been written about him. Javed wants the freedom to decide who he will become, but his growing sense of independence brings him into conflict with his father.

## Review

Gurinder Chadha’s *Blinded by the Light* understands how foolish a favourite singer can make a person look, and mostly has the good sense to be kind about it. We recommend it for Viveik Kalra’s open-hearted performance and for its account of finding words for feelings that seemed yours alone. The coming-of-age story is familiar, and the musical enthusiasm occasionally becomes exhausting. But the director makes Javed’s attachment to Bruce Springsteen credible before asking us to share it.

The setting matters: this is British Pakistani adolescence in 1980s Luton, with racism to contend with as well as a difficult relationship with a father. The early scenes give that hostility enough weight for the arrival of the music to feel like a plausible source of relief. We were moved by Javed’s first discovery of the songs. Viveik Kalra makes the excitement so unguarded that we understand why the lyrics suddenly seem to explain his life, even when we do not share his devotion.

The lead performance also catches the less appealing side of that discovery: Javed’s enthusiasm can become so consuming that there is little space left for anyone else’s interests. That is recognisable teenage behaviour, although the film is sometimes too indulgent of it. Kulvinder Ghir helps keep the family scenes from becoming a succession of unreasonable objections to the young man’s wishes. The father-son relationship has warmth and strain, and the father’s humanity survives a screenplay that does not always resist the obvious route.

Nick Ellis’s production design and Annie Hardinge’s costumes establish the period through Walkmans and double denim, details appropriate to a story about what teenagers use and wear. Ben Smithard’s images carry the move from everyday Luton into the musical passages with more assurance than some of the staging. The songs can make the place feel larger and more inviting without requiring us to forget the early hostility. At times, though, the performers seem to be working harder at conveying delight than the scene warrants.

The writing by Sarfraz Manzoor, Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges is less reliable when it lets the lyrics do the explaining. They are useful when Javed cannot express himself, but their repeated use leaves too little for the dialogue to do. Justin Krish’s editing gives individual musical passages momentum, though the story between them sometimes drags. There is enough charm to carry us through, but less insistence would have left more space for Javed to surprise us.

A. R. Rahman’s music is less conspicuous beside the featured songs, and that restraint is welcome. The film already works hard to make us feel things, without needing every musical cue to press the point. As a coming-of-age film, it is conventional enough that its appeal depends heavily on the people doing the growing up. The performances supply the awkwardness and eagerness that make those conventions tolerable, and the family retains some dignity even when the writing simplifies its disagreements.

At 117 minutes, it is longer than this straightforward story needs to be. Some musical repetition could go without losing the pleasure of watching Javed find something he wants to defend. Still, the affection for him is persuasive enough to overcome the more determined attempts to cheer us up. Try it for a warm evening, provided nobody on the sofa has already had enough of Bruce Springsteen.

*Fi1m score 76, published 25 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics respond warmly to Blinded by the Light, praising its sincerity and its account of how Springsteen’s songs help Javed express himself. Praise centres on Viveik Kalra’s engaging lead performance and the energetic musical sequences, which many find persuasive in capturing the intensity of teenage discovery. The portrait of British Pakistani life also earns approval, particularly the father-son relationship and the attention to racism alongside the more buoyant coming-of-age material.

The spread is wide, however, and even favourable reviews acknowledge corniness, predictability and occasional excess. The musical sequences divide critics most clearly: admirers find them joyful, while detractors see awkward staging and too much reliance on the lyrics to carry a thin story. The Guardian finds the sentiment contrived despite the early scenes’ charm; The New Yorker raises a different objection, arguing that Javed’s fixation on Springsteen narrows the film’s idea of liberation.

## Straight answers

**Is Blinded by the Light worth watching?**

*Blinded by the Light* is worth watching for its warm family scenes and Viveik Kalra’s open-hearted performance; we score it 76 out of 100. We recommend it to anyone drawn to coming-of-age stories about finding confidence through music, though the Springsteen devotion gets repetitive and the story runs longer than it needs to.

**How long is Blinded by the Light, and what is it rated?**

*Blinded by the Light* runs 1h 57m and is rated 7 by the Medierådet in Denmark. It is a drama and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Blinded by the Light in Denmark?**

*Blinded by the Light* is not on any streaming or rental service in Denmark at the moment. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Blinded by the Light, and is it suitable for children?**

*Blinded by the Light* has a UK 12A certificate, so children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema. Racism and strained family relationships give its otherwise warm coming-of-age story some weight; we would steer it towards teenagers rather than younger children, without treating the certificate as a guarantee that every child will be comfortable.

**How does Blinded by the Light compare to The Commitments?**

*Blinded by the Light* is the gentler choice beside [*The Commitments*](https://film.one/film/the-commitments), centring on one teenager’s musical discovery rather than the awkward personalities of a Dublin soul band. We favour *The Commitments* for unruly company and humour with less patience for grand destiny; *Blinded by the Light* suits those after an affectionate father-son story, despite its repetitive musical enthusiasm.

**What should I watch after Blinded by the Light?**

After *Blinded by the Light*, try [*The Commitments*](https://film.one/film/the-commitments) (1991, Fi1m 82): Musical ambition meets awkward personalities, with considerably less patience for anyone’s grand destiny. Then [*Billy Elliot*](https://film.one/film/billy-elliot) (2000, Fi1m 81): A young talent tests family loyalties against an English community’s expectations.

### Reviews we read (25)

- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (90/100, inferred): Turan finds the film high-spirited and deeply enjoyable, celebrating the transformative power of Springsteen’s music. He particularly praises the energetic Bollywood-style production numbers that bring the songs to life. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-08-14/blinded-by-the-light-bruce-springsteen-gurinder-chadha)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (Critic's Pick): Gleiberman praises the film as an exuberant return to form and an irresistible celebration of rock-and-roll sincerity. He especially singles out Viveik Kalra’s vibrant performance and the film’s joyful musical sequences. [Read](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/blinded-by-the-light-review-1203119930/)
- **Empire**, Ian Freer (85/100, inferred): Freer finds the film an exuberant, emotionally generous celebration of music and self-expression. He especially praises its vivid portrait of British Pakistani life and the humanity given to Javed’s father. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/blinded-by-the-light/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the film a flawed but charming ray of sunshine, praising its tender portrayal of Javed’s bond with Springsteen’s music. She singles out the unpredictable musical scenes and the vivid “daytimer” sequence for their energy and appeal. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/blinded-by-the-light-review-theres-no-resisting-the-charms-of-the-boss-a4209436.html)
- **Radio Times**, Andrew Collins (4/5): The critic calls it an endearingly eager and energetic film. They praise its vibrant multicultural story, sparked by Javed’s discovery of Bruce Springsteen’s music. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-7nrpbc/blinded-by-the-light/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The review finds the film effervescent and warmly entertaining. It singles out its Springsteen-powered story and pop-cultural details, including Sony Walkmans and double denim. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/blinded-by-the-light)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): Grierson presents the film as an upbeat, feelgood potential hit. He singles out its use of Bruce Springsteen’s music in adapting Sarfraz Mansoor’s memoirs. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/blinded-by-the-light-sundance-review/5136229.article)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, John DeFore (65/100, inferred): DeFore finds it a shamelessly corny but appealing crowd-pleaser, carried by its lead’s likability. He praises Viveik Kalra’s performance and the film’s eventual emotional payoff, while criticizing some of its awkward, overdone musical sequences. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/blinded-by-light-review-1180066/)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a review of the specified film, but the article content is inaccessible. The critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/15/movies/blinded-by-the-light-review.html)
- **Slant Magazine**, Steven Scaife (2.5/4): The critic finds the film hackneyed but infectious, with an unabashed joy that remains compelling despite a story that barely holds together. They praise how genuinely it captures a teenager’s all-encompassing discovery of Springsteen’s music. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-blinded-by-the-light-is-a-wet-sloppy-public-kiss-to-bruce-springsteen/)
- **The i Paper**, Demetrios Matheou (★★★): Matheou finds the film heartfelt and charming, though it pushes its luck and becomes cheesy. He praises its capture of 1980s Luton while criticizing the overbearing use of Springsteen songs. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/blinded-by-the-light-film-review-bruce-springsteen-times-cast-trailer-release-323555)
- **Little White Lies**, Tom Huddleston (3/2/2): Huddleston finds the film upbeat but overly sentimental, formulaic, and weighed down by a paper-thin plot. He praises the thrilling first moment when Springsteen’s music transforms Javed’s world, while later musical sequences fall flat. [Read](https://www.lwlies.com/reviews/blinded-by-the-light)
- **The Guardian**, Benjamin Lee (2/5): Lee calls the film a contrived, over-sentimental misfire whose familiar coming-of-age formula fails to deliver its intended warmth. He praises the early scenes’ charm and sharp depiction of racism, but criticizes the awkward musical sequences and reliance on Springsteen’s lyrics. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jan/28/blinded-by-the-light-review-bruce-springsteen-inspires-sentimental-misfire)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (25/100, inferred): Brody finds the film’s heartwarming approach contrived and its vision of liberation narrow. He particularly criticizes how Javed’s discovery of Springsteen becomes a monomaniacal fixation rather than opening him to a wider musical world. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/a-teen-ager-is-saved-by-the-music-of-bruce-springsteen-in-blinded-by-the-light)
- **Collider**, Adam Chitwood (A): Chitwood calls the film an irresistible, heartfelt triumph that ranks among the year’s best. He especially praises its lead performance and how Springsteen’s music gives shape to the story’s personal themes. [Read](https://collider.com/blinded-by-the-light-review/)
- **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (90/100, inferred): Worthington finds the film an unapologetically sincere, emotionally gripping crowd-pleaser, despite its syrupy earnestness. He especially praises its vivid, joyful use of Springsteen’s music to express the thrill of adolescent self-discovery. [Read](https://consequence.net/2019/08/film-review-blinded-by-the-light/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Reynolds (90/100, inferred): Reynolds calls the film an absolute joy, praising its warmth and humor. He singles out the Springsteen-driven musical sequences and Viveik Kalra’s performance. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/blinded-by-the-light-review-bruce-springsteen-movie/)
- **HeyUGuys** (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a soaring success, balancing heartfelt uplift with darker social realities. They single out the emotional messages inspired by Springsteen’s music as the reason it works. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/blinded-by-the-light-review/)
- **The Playlist**, Jordan Ruimy (A-): Ruimy praises the film as an exuberant, life-affirming crowd-pleaser that connects Springsteen’s music to Javed’s coming-of-age story. He singles out the energetic use of the songs and lyrics, while acknowledging occasional predictability and corniness. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/blinded-by-light-sundance-review-20190129/)
- **The Wrap** (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film corny and overblown but ultimately irresistible and moving. They praise how Chadha uses Springsteen’s songs to convey the transformative power of music. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/blinded-by-the-light-film-review-bruce-springsteen-gurinder-chadha/)
- **Film Stories**, Simon Brew (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a funny, moving, surprising treat with energy and plenty to say. He especially praises the father-son relationship, whose performances moved him to tears. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/blinded-by-the-light-review/)
- **NME** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film refreshing, heartwarming and broadly uplifting. They especially praise the musical sequences, singling out the joyous ‘Born To Run’ scene. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/blinded-by-the-light-film-review-2533965)
- **/Film**, Ethan Anderton (8.5 out of 10): Anderton finds the film an uplifting, emotionally resonant coming-of-age story. He especially praises Viveik Kalra’s performance and the film’s portrayal of racism and cultural identity. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/563963/blinded-by-the-light-review-sundance/)
- **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a delight and praises its personal touch and honesty. He singles out how Bruce Springsteen’s lyrics resonate with Javed’s experience and speak to a generation. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/blinded-by-the-light-2019-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)
- **The Ringer**, Rob Harvilla (70/100, inferred): Harvilla finds the film a heartfelt, if predictable, celebration of Springsteen fandom that captures its believers’ fervor. He praises its willingness to risk looking uncool, while noting that the pacing lags and the father-son drama is unsurprising. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2019/08/19/movies/boss-worship-blinded-by-the-light-is-devoted-to-capturing-what-makes-bruce-springsteen-so-beloved)

## Details

- **Director:** Gurinder Chadha
- **Director:** Gurinder Chadha
- **Writer:** Gurinder Chadha, Sarfraz Manzoor, Paul Mayeda Berges
- **Cinematography:** Ben Smithard
- **Editor:** Justin Krish
- **Music:** A. R. Rahman, Bruce Springsteen
- **Production design:** Nick Ellis
- **Costume design:** Annie Hardinge
- **Producer:** Jane Barclay, Gurinder Chadha, Jamal Daniel
- **Cast:** Viveik Kalra as Javed; Nell Williams as Eliza; Hayley Atwell as Ms Clay; Kulvinder Ghir as Malik; Aaron Phagura as Roops; Dean-Charles Chapman as Matt; Meera Ganatra as Noor; Nikita Mehta as Shazia
- **Runtime:** 1h 57m
- **Certificate (Medierådet):** 7
- **Release (Denmark):** 19 September 2019
- **Genres:** Drama, Comedy
- **Budget:** $8 million
- **Box office:** $18 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmmHvnS0IKM

## Where to watch in Denmark

Not streaming, renting or buying in Denmark at the last check.

## If you liked this

- *Sing Street* (2016): Another teenager uses music to imagine an escape, with more room for bandmates.
- *The Commitments* (1991), Fi1m 82: Musical ambition meets awkward personalities, with considerably less patience for anyone’s grand destiny. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-commitments.md)
- *Linda Linda Linda* (2005): A school band builds friendships through practice, missed cues and stubborn persistence.
- *The Band's Visit* (2007): Stranded musicians find company in an unfamiliar town, without anybody needing a grand speech.
- *Billy Elliot* (2000), Fi1m 81: A young talent tests family loyalties against an English community’s expectations. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/billy-elliot.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/blinded-by-the-light