Yesterday, Netflix did something. It released a movie, Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali at the onset of a weekend. The film starts with Diljit Dosanjh as the titular character. Other starcast of the film include Pareeniti Chopra, Kumud Mishra, Anurag Arora, Samuel John and Anjum Batra.
The movie is based on the life story of one of the best pop icons of 1980’s Punjab: Amar Singh Chamkila. Delving in a little bit deeper, you can only imagine what Imtiaz Ali can do to such a theme. He breathes life into his character effortlessly. For a moment, you forget that the man on the screen is actually not Chamkila but Diljit!
The romantics will sit through and enjoy the colours, vibrance and hearty Punjab of the 1980s. The beauty of the storytellers (director and editor) is that the film starts with this tragedy and then rolls back and forth through Chamkila’s struggles, rise to fame, the audacity of his lyrics, sweet nothings and massive success.
But why does Chamkila feel so real?
Because Imtiaz connects us with the character beautifully. And despite the outer world experienced by the character, we get to see his inner world, too. As Chamilka is on his way to superstardom, he faces criticism for the brashness and absurdity of his lyrics. He successfully irks the elders in the family and society but isn’t perturbed by them. He cashes up on the opportunity and his popularity. What, however, disturbs him is that his concert in 1987 sold more tickets than his idol’s (big B).
That’s when we know despite the harshness of his lyrics and the absurd choice of his songs overshadowed his real persona. And that’s why it hurt more when Chamkila and his wife were shot in broad daylight in 1987.
Watch the film and let us know if you loved it in the comments below.
You can also check out the trailer on YouTube.