Amar Singh Chamkila, the latest from director Imtiaz Ali, isn’t just a biopic; it’s a musical, with lyrics taking over the screen. Diljit Dosanjh plays Chamkila, who gained popularity in Punjabi songs through his dirty lyrics and catchy tunes, little is known about who he was before the fame took over. This movie sheds some light on why he wrote the lyrics and how he escaped the place he thought was even dirtier than his lyrics.
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A. R. Rahman’s music consistently makes a profound impact on its listeners, and in Amar Singh Chamkila, it leaves an indelible mark once again. Aarti Bajaj, renowned for her exceptional editing in collaborations with directors like Anurag Kashyap, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Imtiaz Ali, maintains her stellar reputation in this film. Through skillful juxtaposition of flashbacks and present-day scenarios, she injects a sense of freshness into the narrative. Ali’s use of flashbacks, akin to his contemporary Anurag Basu, is characterized by a finesse that sets it apart, adding depth and richness to the storytelling.
The movie dives straight into the assassination of Amarjot and Chamkila and then takes us on the journey of Chamar to Chamkila. From singing partner to life partner, Amarjot became his second wife and mothered two children. The love story of Amarjot and Chamkila is par excellence and almost reminded me of Love Aaj Kal with Deepika Padukone. Their children aren’t brought to screen, perhaps for their own safety.
Some light is shed as to the nature of the life threats he was getting and how he went from fearful to fearless in time. He was given an anonymous threat at first and then a direct threat from an organization that asked them to stop singing vulgar songs, stop drinking alcohol, stop eating meat, and stop smoking. By that time, he has become delusionally fearless, so much so that he takes out Bidi in front of them.
The premature loss of such talented performers like Amar Singh Chamkila leaves us with lingering questions and a sense of emptiness. We can’t help but wonder what Indian music would be like had he survived. Listening to the songs from the film only amplifies our yearning for more of Chamkila’s music and artistry. His lyrics, such as the one where he gives Amarjot an out but she refuses, provoke deeper contemplation about his life and relationships, leaving us with much to ponder.
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