Imtiaz Ali, the acclaimed filmmaker known for movies like "Jab We Met" and "Rockstar", experienced a wave of emotions at the premiere of his latest directorial venture, "Amar Singh Chamkila". The film, which premiered on Netflix on April 12, 2024, tells the true story of Amar Singh Chamkila, a popular Punjabi singer who rose to fame in the 1980s before being tragically assassinated at the age of 27.
The premiere, hosted by Netflix in collaboration with the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, was a star-studded affair. Celebrities like Shabana Azmi, Mrunal Thakur, and Diljit Dosanjh, who plays the lead role in the film, were in attendance. The event was packed, with nearly 400 eager viewers filling the 300-seater auditorium. Imtiaz Ali himself had difficulty finding a seat initially.
Following the screening, Imtiaz Ali took to the stage, visibly moved by the experience. He reflected on the film and the life of Amar Singh Chamkila, acknowledging the profound impact Chamkila had on Punjab's music scene. He remarked, "We have just made the film, but they have lived the life". Ali also recognized Chamkila's widespread appeal, saying, "Chamkila is the roof breaker artiste, and this film had to be houseful. It is owing to him".
During the making of "Amar Singh Chamkila," Imtiaz Ali conducted thorough research, meeting with members of Chamkila's musical troupe and others who knew him. He pieced together different versions of the story to create an authentic portrayal of the singer's life. Ali aimed to present Chamkila's story without fictionalizing it, allowing the script to emerge organically from the research.
According to Imtiaz Ali, research was about meeting people who were in Chamkila and Amarjot's lives 36 years ago when they were alive. He met Tiki, a close friend of Chamkila, and Kikar, who was Chamkila’s manager.
The film delves into the controversies surrounding Chamkila's career and explores the socio-political landscape of Punjab in the 1980s. Imtiaz Ali spoke to many people about the turmoil in Punjab in the 1980s to understand the impact on Chamkila's life.
The music of "Amar Singh Chamkila" reunites Imtiaz Ali with AR Rahman, with whom he previously worked on films like "Rockstar" and "Tamasha". Ali chose Diljit Dosanjh to play Chamkila because of his ability to sing live and embody the essence of a Punjabi musician. Imtiaz Ali said that Diljit had already made a film loosely inspired by Chamkila’s life events. Diljit even showed Imtiaz snippets of his 2023 film, "Jodi", before opting for "Amar Singh Chamkila".
Imtiaz Ali aimed to create a film with universal appeal by grounding it in the local culture of Punjab. He consciously avoided imitating Western biopic styles, incorporating elements of animation and sketches. Ali admitted that he could not manipulate the facts of Chamkila's life since it was a true story.
"Amar Singh Chamkila" is a tribute to the enduring legacy of a talented and controversial singer. Imtiaz Ali's emotional journey at the premiere reflects the deep connection he feels to Chamkila's story and the impact it continues to have on audiences.
