Director Imtiaz Ali recently revealed that Amar Singh Chamkila was never intended to be a crime or suspense film. The film, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of the legendary Punjabi singer’s life and music.
In a conversation with Komal Nahata on YouTube, Ali discussed his decision to open the film with Chamkila’s tragic end. While the film begins with violence, the director emphasized that his focus was always on Chamkila’s passion for music rather than the circumstances of his murder.
“At first, I had written that this would happen, and then I thought, why did I write it?” Ali shared, explaining that he later questioned his approach. By addressing the assassination at the beginning, he aimed to shift the audience’s focus toward Chamkila’s journey rather than his fate.
Ali believed that if the murder scene had been placed at the end, viewers would have constantly anticipated Chamkila’s death, turning the film into a suspense-driven narrative. Instead, revealing the event early on allowed audiences to engage with Chamkila’s life and music with a deeper emotional connection.
Released on Netflix on April 12, 2024, Amar Singh Chamkila has been widely praised for its compelling storytelling and powerful performances. The film offers a heartfelt tribute to the iconic singer, often referred to as the “Elvis Presley of Punjab,” and his enduring musical legacy.