Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has returned with his latest movie, Amar Singh Chamkila. Featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles, the biographical drama premiered to rave reviews with its portrayal of the life of the legendary Punjabi musician, Amar Singh Chamkila. Now, many are left wondering how the Netflix film stands out from other biopics. The director explains how it lies in the glorification or not of the icon.
‘He has flaws’: Imtiaz Ali on not glorifying Amar Singh Chamkila
In a recent tête-à-tête with Mid-Day, Imtiaz Ali shed light on his biopic debut with Amar Singh Chamkila and how he thought he would never make one. However, he found Chamkila’s story compelling, driven by the need to address aspects of his life that had been concealed from the audience.
Along the same lines, Ali’s approach to depicting Chamkila’s life is refreshingly honest. He emphasizes presenting his humanity in all its complexity. He stated, “When depicting someone’s life, you should have the liberty — not to change the facts, but to represent all aspects of them. If you don’t show the mistakes they made, then what’s the point of glorifying them? I do not like those biopics that endlessly glorify the person they are based on. That becomes very boring.”
In his exploration of Amar Singh Chamkila’s life, he sought to unravel the complexities of a man who straddled the line between adulation and controversy. “Chamkila is a case in point as there was this kind of dual response from the audience towards him,” Ali observed. “I felt that I had to present the human side of Chamkila.”
Indeed, Amar Singh Chamkila’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Dubbed the “Elvis Presley of Punjab,” Chamkila’s music transcended barriers. It resonated deeply with the masses while also drawing anger from critics who deemed his lyrics provocative. Yet, beneath the veneer of stardom lay a man grappling with his imperfections and vulnerabilities.
Imtiaz Ali’s latest directorial seeks to peel back the layers of myth and legend surrounding Amar Singh Chamkila. Overall, offering audiences a glimpse into the untold story of a cultural icon. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.
