“The true beauty of music is that it connects people, it carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers,” says Roy Ayers. Music is a crucial aspect for many people. Over the years, we have come across many iconic stories that focus on musicians and their lives. Another addition to it is the Netflix movie “Amar Singh Chamkila.”
The story of this true tragedy is set in Punjab during the 1980s, where it revolves around the musical legacy of Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife Amarjot, who were two of the most cherished singers in India. As each new album is released, the duo’s songs with daring lyrics are becoming increasingly popular. While traveling to Punjab to perform on a certain day, two individuals were wounded and one was killed. The plot explores the life off Chamkila, his rise to fame, and the many individuals attempting to kill him.
The Netflix film revolves around a musical biography at its core. Chamkila’s life is riddled with individuals who possessed strong motives to harm him. The singer’s captivating voice and ability to win hearts over time. It also makes us aware of the reasons why some people were against him.
Imtiaz Ali Breaks Form
As the director of this film, Imtiaz Ali chooses non-linear storytelling. During the opening scene of the film, Chamkila and Amarjot were shot dead while exiting their car to join their performance on-stage. It is expected that the couple’s deaths on the ground will lead to a tragic tone. You found the song “Baaja,” with lyrics by Imtiaz Ali unexpected, showing the indecency of Amar Singh Chamkila’s songs. The energy he exuded from his music was matched by the entire sequence, which is filled with colour and life.
Imtiaz Ali—whose works are known for their soul-searching and contemplative narratives about love and self-discovery—is taking a break from his usual path to re-discover himself. Moral policing, caste discrimination, societal bullying, and prejudice can cause tragedies to be exacerbated, as demonstrated in this film. The screenplay’s appeal lies in its ability to reveal unexpected details about the singers after significant events. It’s one of the reasons why the film is so compelling. This unconventional singer’s biopic is a fascinating watch due to its unconventional approach.
Parineeti Chopra and Diljit Dosanjh in a scene from “Amar Singh Chamkila.” (Photo: Window Seat Films/Select Media/Saregama/Netflix).
Imtiaz’s protagonists are frequently nonconformists and often unaware of their own nonconformity, but they don’t rebel by choice. The objective is to live in a more liberated and receptive way, with the aim of discovering a sense of direction along the way. The film is simultaneously entertaining and satirical. It addresses the offline cancel culture of the 1980s and ’90s, religious radicalism, and suppressed sensuality.
Remarkable Performances
The second half of the film is truly remarkable. Every frame of Imtiaz’s movie displays perfection with its visuals, music, and animation. The authentic portrayal of Punjab is revealed by the people’s devotion to music and its ability to unite them. The ability to bring people together for leisure, enjoyment, and harmony, as well as hatred, is something it can do. The hatred directed towards Amar Singh and his wife Amarjot is such a great force that it’s hard to comprehend why anyone would consider these talented singers a threat to society. Religious and elite individuals who hold a superiority over others might feel threatened by the flawless art of groundbreaking and skilled artists, what actions will they take?
When he made the decision to offer us a musical biography of a significant singer from India in the 1980s, he realized that he would have to deliver his best. It is evident that Imtiaz has made a significant effort to comprehend Chamkila’s influence on Punjab through her songs and popularity. He did everything in his power to ensure we comprehended Chamkila’s character. This is all while still maintaining the late singer’s legacy and authenticity.
Another Superb AR Rahman and Imtiaz Collaboration
Naram Kalja is shown with impressive camerawork that displays an abundance of life, causing you to wish you were in that era to experience everything. The director’s presentation of Chamkila and Amarjot’s story—with radiance and audaciousness instead of a melancholy—was excellent. AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali’s collaboration gets better with each movie they release. The music they created is one of the finest thanks to the combination of their talented minds and superb craftsmanship. Imtiaz and Rahman knew they had to deliver Chamkila’s best when they decided to produce a musical biography of the major Indian from the 1980s. The effort Imtiaz has made to comprehend Chamkila and the impact of his songs and fame on Punjab is evident. The director made every effort to make sure we understood what Chamkila was like, while staying true to the late singer’s legacy and genuineness.
A scene from “Amar Singh Chamkila.” (Photo: Window Seat Films/Select Media/Saregama/Netflix).
Diljit Dosanjh’s hard work and dedication have made it possible for Amar Singh Chamkila to be seen by the people of this generation. The singer’s respect and fondness towards Chamkila was evident in every scene, and his dedication to his art was evident. Dilljit’s accomplishments are demonstrated by his performance. Humility, frustration, and angst are perfectly balanced in his character. The performance of Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot is exceptional, even though she lacks a lot of words, and her vocal skills are still impressive. Chamkila and Amarjot’s performances on stage are so captivating and entertaining that you become hypnotized by their songs. The entire cast displays admirable performance.
A Symphonic Story of Survival
To sum up, “Amar Singh Chamkila” is among Imtiaz Ali’s finest films. It helps one comprehend art and the artist, and how individuals who have the power to make or break someone are the ones who possess the power. Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra are showcasing one of their career-best performances. Following watching the movie, you’ll have lingering questions that leave you with a wonderful impression. What is the reasoning behind society’s hypocrisy that forces some of the most talented, innovative, and distinctive artists to endure the greatest amount of sanctimony?
The story does not justify, glorify, or pitie Chamikla’s uncertain reputation and irreparably approach to life. The sole purpose of it is to provide him with a chance to be heard and seen. This symphonic story about survival, shame, and social standing makes an immersive experience possible.
“Amar Singh Chamkila” is currently streaming on Netflix.
