Directed and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, Amar Singh Chamkila is releasing on Netflix this week. Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra lead the biographical film based on the life of Elvis of Punjab. The titular role of Amar Singh explores his passion for music, his reason for life but it also became his reason for death. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the good and the bad, also raising questions about society in the 80s which are still applicable decades later. Amar is introduced as a humble singer whose brash lyrics ignited fame and fury across Punjab. It also takes a look at how he leads with success and brutal criticism towards his work.
The film begins with the end, which everyone is aware of. Amarjot played by Parineet Chopra and Amar Singh Chamkila played by Diljit are expected to show up for a show with an excited large crowd eagerly waiting for them. However, when the two arrive, as Amarjot steps out of the car, she is shot dead on the spot. While Amar is shot several times before he finally dies at the venue. As the crowd panics and leaves the two are left alone on the ground. Their bodies are then picked up and taken to the nearest police station, where nobody is ready to claim it until their close companions finally arrive to take them home.
Despite the highly worrying situation about the two being shot to death in public, the police fail to aid the family members in taking their bodies home. When they finally came to check on the group and the house, to ensure the safety of the area their preconceived notion about the two singers clouds their judgement as well. As though the police are the audience, Chamkila’s friends then begin the true story of his life and his passion for music to change how the police think about them.
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Not only do we find out about his childhood, and family but the story also comes from different people whom Chamkila interacted with at different parts of his life. As he began to work with different people the story evolves into more than just someone’s hate towards him. The story is also told by his admirers, friends and family which adds a fresh take to the story and the genre. The music on the other hand continues to bring charm to the film.
Imtiaz Ali’s direction returns to its peak with a swift screenplay the film doesn’t leave much space for the audience to question their choices. The film also does not shy away from calling out the wrong even if it is Chamkila who has done it. Without taking sides, Amar Singh Chamkila also adds some social situations, from casteism to how artists often suffer for other’s political gains. The film has much to offer and the cinematography by Sylvester Fonseca also adds a fun peppy charm.
Overall, the film is a fun emotional watch which unusually feels peppy despite the subject of the film. However, it may just be an ode to the soulful life Amar Singh Chamkila believed in.
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Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India
