Amar Singh Chamkila Film Review: Amar Singh Chamkila, a Hindi-language biographical drama released in 2024, portrays the life of the renowned musician. Directed, produced, and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, the film features Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, accompanied by Parineeti Chopra as his on-screen wife, Amarjot.
A. R. Rahman is credited with composing the music, while Irshad Kamil penned the lyrics. Filming commenced in December 2022 and wrapped up in March 2023. The movie premiered in Mumbai on April 8, 2024, and was made available on Netflix on April 12, 2024. It garnered widespread critical acclaim, marking a triumphant return for Imtiaz Ali.
Story
Born into a Dalit family in Punjab, Amar Singh toiled in a socks manufacturing factory during his teenage years, his spirit yearning for the world of music. Breaking free from the confines of his mundane existence, he networked with local musicians, his determination propelling him forward.
Under the wing of the established musician Jinda, Amar Singh’s lyrical prowess shone, albeit without due credit. Fate intervened when he filled in for Jinda at a chaotic event, captivating the audience with his electrifying performance. Dubbed “Chamkila” after this transformative moment, his bold lyrics and commanding voice eclipsed Jinda’s presence, signaling the rise of a new star in Punjab’s musical horizon.
Main Casts
| Diljit Dosanjh | Amar Singh Chamkila | Parineeti Chopra | Amarjot Kaur |
| Apinderdeep Singh | Swarn Singh Sivia | Rahul Mittra | DSP Bhatti |
| Nisha Singh | Sonia | Anjum Batra | Kesar Singh Tiki |
Production
Imtiaz Ali, renowned for his contemporary romantic dramas like “Jab We Met” (2007), “Love Aaj Kal” (2009), “Rockstar” (2011), and “Tamasha” (2015), announced his latest venture under his production banner, Window Seat Films. Titled initially as “Chamkila” and later revised to “Amar Singh Chamkila,” the film delves into the life of Punjab’s original musical icon, Amar Singh Chamkila, whose life was tragically cut short. Ali described the project as a unique journey, stating, “Shooting for Chamkila felt like a very different experience as a filmmaker. The film explores the intense popularity of Chamkila’s audacious songs, which society couldn’t ignore nor digest. It allowed me to reconnect with a different aspect of myself.”
Parineeti Chopra and Diljit Dosanjh, the lead actors, lent their voices to a total of 15 songs for the film. Chopra expressed her excitement, saying, “One of the main reasons I did this film was because I was getting to sing some 15 songs for it.” This project marks Ali’s return to directing after a four-year hiatus, also marking his films’ departure from traditional theatrical releases.
Casting
Diljit Dosanjh stepped into the challenging role of portraying the iconic figure, Amar Singh Chamkila. Reflecting on the experience, Dosanjh shared, “Playing Amar Singh Chamkila has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life.”
Parineeti Chopra was chosen to depict Chamkila’s second wife, Amarjot Kaur, after departing from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” due to scheduling conflicts. Chopra expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s one of the most exciting films that I’ve ever worked on.” In preparation for her role, Chopra underwent a transformation, gaining 15 kilos.
Imtiaz Ali, the director, praised the casting choices of Dosanjh and Chopra, emphasizing their immense talent, particularly as the film required live singing. Additionally, filmmaker Rahul Mittra was later enlisted by Ali to play a significant role in the film.
Filming
Principal photography commenced in December 2022, with the majority of the filming taking place in Punjab’s authentic locales. Parineeti Chopra and Diljit Dosanjh concluded their shooting schedules by March 2023, wrapping up the entire production by the month’s end. Shooting locales spanned various places in Punjab, such as Sangrur, Ludhiana, and Mehsampur, while a portion was also filmed in Mumbai.
Released
The film premiered in Mumbai on April 8, 2024, marking its grand debut. Following the premiere, it was released on Netflix on April 12, 2024, aligning with the festive occasion of Baisakhi.
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