Aslam Hudewale

Amar Singh Chamkila is a brilliant movie and a captivating watch. Imtiaz Ali did a solid job portraying Amar Singh Chamkila’s musical journey. Not just those who know about Amar Singh Chamkila but also those who do not know anything about this Punjabi singer will surely enjoy this film, as it is narrated in an entertaining and informative manner. If you are not aware of this singer, you will likely enjoy the film even more, as the story will shock and amuse you at the same time. A singer gets abundant love and hate from the public for his choice of songs. According to him, he is right in his own way since there are people who enjoy his work. But a few oppose him, saying that he is spoiling society and objectifying women. The film raises questions like what qualifies as art and who gets to decide that. The film doesn’t romanticize Amar Singh Chamkila. It presents the story from multiple perspectives without any sugarcoating. Imtiaz Ali leaves it to us to decide if Amar Singh Chamkali is a legend or not, which is the best part of the film. He also included the events surrounding the singer, and Imtiaz didn’t take sides. Things like the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and how Amar Singh’s songs provided respite to Punjabis are well presented. The movie neatly depicts the various challenges Amar Singh faced. Diljit Dosanjh is brilliant in the titular role and lifts spirits with his mesmerizing performance. As Diljit is a singer by profession, his performance seemed very natural. He portrayed various emotions in a stunning manner. Parineeti Chopra does a very good job as Diljit’s wife. This role is very challenging for Parineeti, given that she is performing alongside a renowned singer (songs are recorded live through the voices of Diljit and Parineeti). The actress did her best to match up with Diljit. Generally, biopics present the protagonists in a positive way, but Imtiaz Ali sets this film apart by offering multiple perspectives and posing many questions. Diljit Dosanjh is remarkable, and he is ably supported by Parineeti Chopra. The film also benefits from rich music and neat direction. One needs to follow the lyrics carefully to enjoy the movie. The choice to show real-life footage along with the film is an excellent idea, and it helps us better connect with Amar Singh Chamkila.