Netflix’s ‘Chamkila’ has been one of the most anticipated projects of the streaming giant in India. This morning, we finally have the release date for the Imtiaz Ali directed film. Now renamed ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, the film premieres on Netflix worldwide on 12th April, 2024.
Netflix’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ will recount the life and times of the eponymous Punjabi singer of the eighties, who was tragically gunned down at the age of 27, at the height of his popularity. Such was his sway over his fans that crowds gathered in huge numbers in the open air ‘akhadas’ to hear his rustic songs, rooted in Punjabi son-of-the-soul flavour. He was booked for live performances every single day of the month, and for multiple performances daily.
Amar Singh Chamkila was brutally assassinated in the middle of one such live performance, along with his wife and co-performer, Amarjot, and two band members. The murders remain unsolved to this day. Some say Amar Singh Chamkila, popularly known as Chamkila, was killed because hard-core community elders did not like his frank words, condemning the drugs, drinks and violence culture in Punjab.
Through his film, Imtiaz Ali hopes to capture the passion and fervour that Chamkila whipped up amongst the youth of Punjab in the eighties. ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ charts the untold true story of Punjab’s original rockstar of the masses, the highest record-selling artist of his time, the artist often referred to as the “Elvis Presley of Punjab”.
Diljit Dosanjh plays Amar Singh Chamkila in the film, while Parineeti Chopra plays his wife, Amarjot. The Netflix film has been shot at real locations, to capture the true essence of the iconic artist. A R Rahman has composed the music for the film, while Irshad Kamil has written the lyrics. Interestingly, both Diljit and Parineeti have lent their voices to some of the songs.
Amar Singh Chamkila is produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films. It is written and directed by Imtiaz Ali, and co-written by Sajid Ali.
Last year, Sony LIV too had created a series on Amar Singh Chamkila, titled ‘Chamak’. Sony LIV’s series starred Paramjeet Singh Cheema in the titular role.
Amar Singh Chamkila premieres on Netflix worldwide on 12th April, 2024. Have a look at the announcement video of the film –
Maahaul bann jaata tha jab vo chedta tha saaz, kuch aisa hi tha Chamkila ka Andaaz 🪕✨
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) February 26, 2024
Imtiaz Ali’s #AmarSinghChamkila arriving on 12 April, only on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/vpKW6x3RNo