Imtiaz Ali: Releasing Amar Singh Chamkila on Netflix to provide cinematic experience for OTT audience

Amar Singh Chamkila, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles, is scheduled to release on April 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy Netflix)

Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is currently making headlines for his upcoming film based on the life of the late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila. As the excitement around the movie continues to build, Imtiaz Ali shared his thoughts on the enduring trend of watching films in movie theatres.

During a recent conversation with an online publication, Imtiaz Ali was asked about the time when people were sceptical about the future of Bollywood. Reflecting on this, he recalled hearing statements like 'Bollywood won't survive anymore' multiple times. He mentioned that even when he entered the industry, there were doubts about the survival of theatres. Similar concerns were raised when VCRs and colour television came into existence. However, despite these apprehensions, cinema continued to thrive because of dreamers like him who not only watched films but also contributed to their creation.

Imtiaz Ali, known for his films like Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar, and Tamasha, has chosen to release his latest project, Amar Singh Chamkila, on the OTT platform Netflix instead of theaters. Explaining his decision, he stated that while he envisions his movies for the big screen, he wanted to make Amar Singh Chamkila more cinematic for the OTT audience. He believes that when selecting films on OTT platforms, viewers prefer those that offer a rich cinematic experience. Hence, he aimed to create a visually captivating film with Chamkila.

Amar Singh Chamkila, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles, is scheduled to release on April 12, 2024.

This Netflix release will explore the complexities of the artist's life, from his rise to fame in the 1980s to his untimely and tragic death in 1988. Chamkila, often referred to as the Elvis of Punjab, was known for his candid commentary on social issues through his music, which resonated with the masses and stirred conversations. His bold approach often led to polarizing opinions, making his story all the more compelling for a dramatic retelling. Imtiaz Ali, who has a knack for capturing the essence of his characters, is set to bring a nuanced portrayal of Chamkila's life, delving into his relationships, his struggles with censorship, and his impact on Punjabi music.