Review: Amar Singh Chamkila is Imtiaz Ali’s best work yet, with Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra at their absolute best!

The films of Imtiaz Ali have always had a way of connecting with the audience. Some people may have different opinions about his movies, but there’s always something memorable about them. His latest film, Amar Singh Chamkila, is a departure from his previous work in many ways, but it still manages to strike a chord with the viewers. It tells an important story about the struggle, rise, and tragic end of Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila during the 1980s, a time of turmoil in Punjab. It sheds light on the era before social media, when artists couldn’t connect with their fans directly. For many, Chamkila’s story is a valuable lesson in history.

Chamkila gained popularity in a time when there were no platforms like Spotify or Instagram reels to promote music. He was one of Punjab’s most successful artists and his rise to fame was truly fascinating. Despite being accused of singing vulgar songs, it was these very songs that connected with people the most. In Imtiaz Ali’s film, the talented Diljit Dosanjh takes on the role of Amar Singh Chamkila, a man who became an enigma in North India within a short period of time and whose assassination remains unresolved even after nearly four decades. The story of Chamkila is now well-known. Dosanjh portrays Amar Singh Chamkila, also known as Dhaniya Singh, a Dalit Sikh who dreams of becoming a singer and feels frustrated with his job at a cloth-making factory. A chance encounter with local star Jinda leads him to write lyrics for Jinda’s music, opening the doors to the world of akharas and music, a world he had always longed to be a part of. During one of the akhada concerts, the main artist gets delayed, and to keep the restless crowd entertained, Chamkila is asked to perform. By the time Jinda takes the stage, the audience is no longer interested in him and wants Chamkila back. This boosts Chamkila’s confidence, leading him to go solo and start performing alone. Female singers come and go until he meets Amarjot Kaur (played by Parineeti), and together they form a powerful duo that makes history in Punjabi music in the years to come. Imtiaz Ali creates a captivating and immersive experience in the film, using real-life footage, photos, and animations of the two singers. It’s much more than just an AR Rahman musical. It’s an exploration of the essence of Amar Singh Chamkila.

Parineeti and Diljit have amazing chemistry on-screen. Their scenes of rehearsing together, with Diljit teaching her and Parineeti picking up the notes, feel genuine and beautiful. As performers and singers, they complement each other perfectly, immersing you in the world created by writers Sajid Ali and Imtiaz. The true star of the film is Diljit Dosanjh, who brings a vulnerable charm to his character. Diljit is already known for his incredible live performances, so portraying Chamkila on stage comes naturally to him. But the way he transforms himself, adjusting his body language to fit the character, is simply splendid. You’ll want to watch it with patience to fully savor his performance. He’s both bold and innocent, a perfect balance. There’s a scene where he lights up with joy at the thought of being in a film, confessing his lifelong desire to be in front of the camera, just like his idol Amitabh Bachchan. And then there’s another scene where he defiantly smokes, almost in the face of religious leaders who had asked him to promise not to, realizing that people will always try to control him. While the original songs of Chamkila are performed live by the two actors, AR Rahman’s soulful music adds another layer to the storytelling. Imtiaz Ali employs various storytelling techniques, creating a captivating and immersive experience. The film has a psychedelic and immersive vibe, blending the vibrant colors of rural Punjab with the backdrop of insurgency. It’s a stunning world, and Ali’s vision captures you from the very first frame. Like most biopics, the film may try to portray Chamkila in a more positive light and justify some of his actions. But overall, the world created is breathtaking, and Ali’s direction keeps you captivated throughout. I hope this rewrite captures the essence of the original passage while sounding more like a conversation between friends. Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with!