Machel Montano, Trinidad & Tobago soca singer, record producer and songwriter, stars alongside actress Natalie Perera in director Todd Kessler’s musical romance “Bazodee” (Baz’oh’dee is Trinidadian Slang for a state of dizziness or confusion – often used with regards to love or infatuation.

The film tells the story of Anita (Natalie Perera), the dutiful Indian daughter of a deep-in-debt businessman (Kabir Bedi), who is about to marry a wealthy Londoner (Staz Nair) when a chance encounter with local singer, Lee de Leon (Soca music star Machel Montano in his film debut) sets things askew. In search of a muse, de Leon agrees to perform at the engagement party for both families. Unable to deny their mutual attraction, and with the excitement of Carnival approaching, Anita must now choose between the answer to her family’s financial prayers, and the possibility of real love. With a vivid, colorful Trinidad during Carnival season as the backdrop, the film is described as a new style Bollywood musical with a distinctly Caribbean island flavor.

Marking Machel Montano’s feature acting debut, the filmmakers hope that “Bazodee” introduces soca music – which originated within a marginalized subculture in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 70s – to audiences nationwide, while combining it with the flair of Bollywood tradition.

Written by Claire Ince, and produced By Monk Pictures and Indiepelago Films, “Bazodee” hits USA theaters this Friday, August 5, 2016 (check you local listings).

Poster above and trailer below: