Amar Singh Chamkila, which premiered on Netflix on April 12, 2024, is a dazzling triumph—a biographical musical drama that sweeps you off your feet and into the pulsating heart of Punjab’s folk scene. Directed by the ever-imaginative Imtiaz Ali, this film is a love letter to the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, brought to life with electrifying gusto by Diljit Dosanjh. It’s a joyous, soul-stirring ride that blends raw authenticity with cinematic flair, proving once again that Ali is a master at capturing the messy, beautiful essence of artists and their worlds.

Diljit Dosanjh is nothing short of phenomenal as Chamkila, the “Elvis of Punjab,” a small-town dreamer who rises from obscurity to superstardom with his provocative, earthy songs. He’s a whirlwind of charisma—humble yet bold, vulnerable yet defiant—nailing every note and nuance of a man torn between his art and society’s judgment. His live singing, paired with Parineeti Chopra’s heartfelt turn as Amarjot Kaur, Chamkila’s wife and stage partner, is pure magic. Chopra shines with a quiet strength, her voice blending seamlessly with Dosanjh’s in A.R. Rahman’s foot-tapping tracks. Their chemistry lights up the screen, making every performance feel like you’re front-row at one of Chamkila’s iconic akhadas.

The film kicks off with a gut-punch—the tragic assassination of Chamkila and Amarjot in 1988—then rewinds to unravel their journey with a kaleidoscope of styles: split screens, animation, real archival footage, and bold on-screen lyrics that pull you into their world. Ali’s direction is a feast for the senses, weaving a non-linear tale that’s as chaotic and vibrant as Chamkila’s life. From his days stitching socks to rocking sold-out shows, the story captures his meteoric rise and the backlash his risqué lyrics sparked, all set against a turbulent Punjab. It’s a celebration of his unapologetic spirit, and Ali nails it with a mix of reverence and curiosity that feels fresh and alive.

Rahman’s soundtrack is the film’s beating pulse, a glorious fusion of Punjabi folk and modern flair. Tracks like “Baaja” burst with energy, “Naram Kaalja” charms with its playfulness, and “Vida Karo” tugs at your heartstrings—each one a testament to Chamkila’s legacy, elevated by Irshad Kamil’s sharp, soulful lyrics. The live recordings by Dosanjh and Chopra add an authentic kick, making you want to hit replay the moment the credits roll. Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography paints Punjab in vivid hues—dusty villages, neon-lit stages—while the costumes and sets whisk you straight to the ‘80s.

What makes Amar Singh Chamkila soar is its heart—it doesn’t judge or sanitize its hero. It revels in his contradictions, letting you decide if he’s a rebel, a victim, or just a man who sang what his people craved. The supporting cast—Anjum Batra as the loyal Tikki, Apinderdeep Singh as friend Swarn—adds depth, but it’s Dosanjh’s show, and he owns it. At 145 minutes, it’s a breezy yet immersive watch, a testament to Ali’s return to form after years of uneven outings.

This is 2024’s Hindi cinema at its finest—a 4 out of 5 star delight that’s equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking. Amar Singh Chamkila is a musical rollercoaster you won’t want to get off, a tribute to a legend that’ll leave you humming, clapping, and marveling at the power of a voice that refused to be silenced. Catch it on Netflix and let it sweep you away—it’s a chamkila (sparkling) gem you’ll cherish!