By Kanishkaa Balachandran/The Hindu
Shrieking fans, delirious teens, fainting fits – this was a staple that followed The Beatles every step of the way during the peak of their fame through the ’60s. But what if they didn’t exist? Or, even if the Fab Four didn’t actually exist, what if their magical songs alone came to life? Director Danny Boyle imagines such a world in Yesterday, set to hit theatres on June 28.
Named after one of their legendary songs, this comedy-drama stars British-Indian actor Himesh Patel – previously seen in the BBC TV series EastEnders – Lily James, Kate McKinnon, and a special appearance by Ed Sheeran.
Jack (Himesh) is a young, failed singer-songwriter who’s convinced he’s played his final gig. Then, when the world suffers a sudden power blackout, he’s hit by a bus while riding a bicycle but he miraculously survives the accident. Back on his feet, he casually sings acoustic covers of The Beatles’s most beloved tracks, only to discover to his shock that the world has no clue about Paul, John, George and Ringo. Even Google couldn’t give a damn – searches show up “beetle” and “Pope John Paul II”.
Failing to convince anyone that these songs are not originals, Jack’s world is turned upside down. Jack’s world may have changed, but the one thing constant in the three-minute trailer is that Jack Malik is also, arguably, the world’s most reluctant superstar.
The script is written by one of Britain’s most famous screenwriters Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill). Boyle and Curtis are also co-producers.
