Amar Singh Chamkila – Diljit’s Best Film Ever!

Directed by: Imtiaz Ali

Star cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti Chopra

Dear Diary,

Thanks to the digital world, we’re privileged to learn about many celebrities, one of whom was Amar Singh Chamkila. Honestly, I did not know of him, nor had I ever heard his name before. However, this film streaming on Netflix took me on a rollercoaster ride, showcasing the life of this legendary singer.

Amar Singh Chamkila – Premises of the Film

The movie revolves around the struggles, fame, and untimely death of singer Amar Singh Chamkila. His “vulgar” lyrics brought him fame across Punjab, but they also attracted the wrath of various societal groups. But he believed he must deliver what the audiences genuinely wanted. Hence, he never changed the course of his career. He continued with his “sleazy” lyrics.

Eventually, while riding high on success, he faced significant criticism before his untimely death. He, along with his second wife Amarjot and two band members, were assassinated in 1988 by unknown assailants, and their murders remain unresolved.

What Did I Like the Most?

Diljit, Diljit, and Diljit… Besides, after Jab Harry Met Sejal and Love Aaj Kal (starring Sara and Kartik), I had lost a bit of faith in Imtiaz Ali. I wondered how a director like him could produce such disappointing films. Then came Amar Singh Chamkila, and it felt like Imtiaz’s golden days of direction were back!

The movie is thoughtfully crafted, chronicling every significant moment of Amar Singh Chamkila’s life so intimately that you feel as if you are part of his journey. The performances by the cast are simply top-notch. Even the briefest roles leave a lasting impact on the film’s narrative.

The inclusion of clips featuring the real Amar Singh Chamkila piques curiosity and encourages viewers to learn more about him. The film beautifully depicts how each event in his life left a mark on the people of Punjab.

Additionally, the end credits are fascinating; they feature real-life photos of the characters alongside their family members, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth.

Direction: I strongly believe that no director could have done justice to a biography like Imtiaz Ali did with this film. He has masterfully captured the most intricate moments of the lead character’s life. Not once did I feel bored. Most importantly, Imtiaz and his team have beautifully established the connection between Chamkila’s lyrics and his life experiences.

Acting: What can I say about the acting? Every actor has delivered a fantastic performance. Of course, Diljit steals the show, and deservedly so. I believe he merits all the praise. After watching the movie, I viewed some clips of the real Chamkila and realized that Diljit mastered Chamkila’s body language aesthetically. Parineeti also performed well, although her role was quite brief.

Sound and Cinematography: It’s so refreshing to see the gulley and nukkad of 1980s Punjab captured on film. Moreover, the soundtrack is lively and peppy— and why not — it is by A.R. Rahman. Yes, I must admit, it took me some time to read the subtitles and understand the lyrics. Yet, the music is soothing to both the ears and the mind.

What I Didn’t Like About the Movie?

There isn’t much to complain about. However, I felt that Parineeti’s role could have been more prominent. Despite being a close aide and, most importantly, his wife, she doesn’t really stand out. Additionally, it took me some time to read the subtitles and understand the lyrics, which was an effort, but I’m not complaining.

Over To You…

Well, that wraps up my review of Amar Singh Chamkila. I wholeheartedly urge everyone to watch it. This film is more than just a biography—it’s a deep dive into a compelling story, still shrouded in mystery. Who could have shot him? It’s so tragic that this case remains unresolved.

Moreover, just like me, I’m sure you’ll be captivated by the unique storytelling style—pure Imtiaz Ali magic—coupled with outstanding performances. This movie does an excellent job of highlighting the life stories of some forgotten figures. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary cinematic journey.