Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
Director: Imtiaz Ali (also writer and producer)
Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti Chopra, Anurag Arora, plus ensemble including Anjum Batra, Samuel John, Tushar Jagdish Dutt, Apinderdeep Singh, Robbie Johal, Udaybir Sandhu, Nisha Bano
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024), directed and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, is a potent #BiographicalDrama chronicling the rise and tragic fall of the Punjabi folk sensation, often dubbed the “Elvis of Punjab.” Set against the charged socio-cultural backdrop of 1980s Punjab, the film portrays how Chamkila’s bold lyrics—tackling themes like village life, patriarchy, and taboo subjects—provoked both adulation and backlash before ending in his assassination alongside his wife, Amarjot. #AmarSinghChamkila #ImtiazAli
Leading the charge, Diljit Dosanjh delivers a captivating performance, fully embodying Chamkila’s charisma, charm, and underlying vulnerability. Parineeti Chopra impresses as Amarjot, bringing emotional depth to her role, especially given the musical stakes—she performs alongside Diljit in several live-recorded tracks. The chemistry between the leads anchors the narrative. #DiljitDosanjh #ParineetiChopra
Visually and tonally, Imtiaz Ali infuses his signature emotional realism with cinematic flair. A. R. Rahman’s evocative compositions—performed by the leads—underscore Chamkila’s duality: celebratory energy on stage, and underlying conflict off it. The narrative frequently employs flashbacks intercut with modern reflection, situating the unfolding tragedy within cultural memory. #Cinematography #Soundtrack #BiopicNarrative
Critically, the film was lauded—Rotten Tomatoes records an 88% Tomatometer, and audiences rated it even higher. Reviews highlight Dosanjh’s layered portrayal, Rahman’s music, and the film’s tribute to folk culture. Yet some critiques note its sanitized approach: Decider felt it glossed over Chamkila’s more contentious themes like sexual violence and his second marriage, weakening the biopic’s edge. DeciderRotten TomatoesGadgets 360Netflix
Viewers on Reddit echoed the dual responses:
“It was very good… The integration of stock images and songs was amazing… Diljit is perfect.”
“Although it felt long… it is a beautiful film… Parineeti did a good job… songs were brilliant.” Reddit
Ultimately, Amar Singh Chamkila captivates as a poignant tribute to a cultural icon—rich in music, emotion, and legacy—even as it sidesteps the full complexity of its subject. It stands as a return-to-form for Imtiaz Ali and a rewarding watch for fans of music-driven biopics.
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024), directed and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, is a potent #BiographicalDrama chronicling the rise and tragic fall of the Punjabi folk sensation, often dubbed the “Elvis of Punjab.” Set against the charged socio-cultural backdrop of 1980s Punjab, the film portrays how Chamkila’s bold lyrics—tackling themes like village life, patriarchy, and taboo subjects—provoked both adulation and backlash before ending in his assassination alongside his wife, Amarjot. #AmarSinghChamkila #ImtiazAli
Leading the charge, Diljit Dosanjh delivers a captivating performance, fully embodying Chamkila’s charisma, charm, and underlying vulnerability. Parineeti Chopra impresses as Amarjot, bringing emotional depth to her role, especially given the musical stakes—she performs alongside Diljit in several live-recorded tracks. The chemistry between the leads anchors the narrative. #DiljitDosanjh #ParineetiChopra
Visually and tonally, Imtiaz Ali infuses his signature emotional realism with cinematic flair. A. R. Rahman’s evocative compositions—performed by the leads—underscore Chamkila’s duality: celebratory energy on stage, and underlying conflict off it. The narrative frequently employs flashbacks intercut with modern reflection, situating the unfolding tragedy within cultural memory. #Cinematography #Soundtrack #BiopicNarrative
Critically, the film was lauded—Rotten Tomatoes records an 88% Tomatometer, and audiences rated it even higher. Reviews highlight Dosanjh’s layered portrayal, Rahman’s music, and the film’s tribute to folk culture. Yet some critiques note its sanitized approach: Decider felt it glossed over Chamkila’s more contentious themes like sexual violence and his second marriage, weakening the biopic’s edge. DeciderRotten TomatoesGadgets 360Netflix
Viewers on Reddit echoed the dual responses:
“It was very good… The integration of stock images and songs was amazing… Diljit is perfect.”
“Although it felt long… it is a beautiful film… Parineeti did a good job… songs were brilliant.” Reddit
Ultimately, Amar Singh Chamkila captivates as a poignant tribute to a cultural icon—rich in music, emotion, and legacy—even as it sidesteps the full complexity of its subject. It stands as a return-to-form for Imtiaz Ali and a rewarding watch for fans of music-driven biopics.