'Amar Singh Chamkila' Review | A wave of disputable music from 1980

 "Amar Singh Chamkila," the latest offering on Netflix, is a cinematic journey that attempts to capture the essence of Punjab's folk legend, Amar Singh Chamkila and his short lived yet record breaking success. It's a tale woven with threads of love, passion, and tragedy, set against the vibrant backdrop of Punjab's music scene. Director Imtiaz Ali's attention to detail shines through, precisely recreating the era and ambiance by putting the exact design of tents, constructing the same akhada's (ground) for concerts, using the same colour for a cloth piece using to tie knot for Chamkila and his second wife's (Amarjot Kaur) wedding and many more. At the film's core is the gripping performance by Diljit Dosanjh, whose portrayal of Chamkila is both charismatic and haunting. He effortlessly embodies the complexities of the legendary singer, capturing his magnetic stage presence and inner chaos with equal finesse. The film dive's deep into Chamkila's personal life, exploring the highs of his meteoric rise to fame, then facing divided criticism of the public, getting death threats for his work and lifestyle by militant groups, all portrayed with raw emotion and authenticity.

One of the highlights of "Amar Singh Chamkila" is undoubtedly the music direction by the maestro himself, A.R. Rahman. His compositions elevate the film to another level, capturing the soulful essence of Chamkila's music while infusing it with voices like Mohit Chauhan, Alka Yagnik, Arijit Singh, Kailash Kher and many other great singers. The soundtrack is a mesmerizing blend of traditional Punjabi folk tunes and contemporary sounds, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. Cinematography plays a crucial role in bringing Chamkila's world to life, capturing the vibrant colors of Punjab's landscapes and the gritty authenticity of its streets. Each frame is a visual treat by Sylvester Fonseca , transporting the audience to a bygone era filled with passion and music.

Anjum Batra's portrayal of Kesar Singh Tikki, Chamkila's trusted confidant, is like an icing on the cake. Batra infuses the character with depth and refinement, serving as a compelling foil to Chamkila's larger-than-life persona. His scenes with Diljit are among the film's most touching moments, showcasing the bond of friendship amidst the chaos of fame. As the narrative unfolds, we are treated to glimpses of Chamkila's electrifying stage performances, where Diljit and Parineeti Chopra performed there best by imitating exactly as Chamkila and Amarjot when they used to perform which captivates audiences with their soul-stirring music and enigmatic presence. These scenes are a testament to their aptitude, as they effortlessly channels Chamkila's and Amarjot's charisma and passion.

This movie is certainly one of the best biopics in hindi cinema but more than that it's an outstanding work of art which will go down in history as one of the best musical features which will stand besides 'Rockstar' as Ali's work. The controversial bit about the movie remains that "Was Chamkila's death justified beacuse of his vulgar songs or did he became a victim of religion, politics and societal norms?" which itself is a contradictory question because if his songs challenged the societal norms then he wouldn't be the highest record selling artist of punjab or as they famously titled him as " kotha dhau kalakar" (roof destroyer artist as large number of women used to stand on roofs to watch him perform which made the roofs fall down) and "Elvis of Punjab". Concluding all, "Amar Singh Chamkila" is a heartfelt tribute to a musical icon, brought to life by a stellar cast and crew. While it may not be without its flaws, its authenticity and emotional resonance make it a must-watch for fans of Punjabi music and cinema alike. With its vivid storytelling and powerhouse performances, "Amar Singh Chamkila" leaves a lasting impression that lingers long even after the credits roll.