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Imtiaz Ali’s recent outing, Amar Singh Chamkila, currently streaming on Netflix, is based on the life of a sensational Punjabi singer whose popularity soared beyond the land of five rivers and spread worldwide during the early 80s. It is a tale of courage and grit that stems from a life riled in poverty and obligation, how past experiences have formed an individual, and most importantly, how vulnerable and insecure we can be as a society. The titular protagonist of the film belonged to a low caste of Chamars, whose unshakeable confidence in his music cleared the path for both his success and his murder in broad daylight. Through the key events in the life of the controversial singer, the filmmaker creates a dramatic narration of reality in its clearest sense. Though set in a bygone era, the situation persists in our society where a handful of individuals decide what...

Amar Singh Chamkila has been one of the biggest influences on many Punjabi music artists for many years. His songs and lyrics have lived as a part of his legacy ever since he was killed in 1988. Lately, there has been a lot of interest generated about him and the body of work he did with his wife. Sony Liv’s Chamak also tried their hands at this subject matter briefly, but it took a different route. This Imtiaz Ali film is different, and it delves into several factors that made Chamkila a renowned yet controversial artist.

Spoilers Ahead

How Did Chamkila And Amarjot Die?

Amar Singh Chamkila begins with a small gathering happening in the year 1988 in the town of Mehsampur near Jalandhar. Everyone was waiting for Chamkila and his wife, Amarjot, to arrive for their performance. They had become a sensation by that time in the state of Punjab.