Assessment: Imtiaz Ali, identified for his soul-searching, contemplative tales on love and self discovery, steers away from his traditional path solely to really discover himself once more. By Chamkila, he deep dives right into a tragedy seeped in ethical policing, caste discrimination, societal bullying and prejudice.
Poignant, provocative and poetic, Imtiaz’s imaginative and prescient conjures vivid feelings. The target, but empathetic, biopic compels you to look inward. Are we slaves to survival? What constitutes artwork? Who will get to determine what qualifies as artwork? Does fame with out respect matter? Ought to anybody be anticipated to endure a lifetime of hate and humiliation for his or her selections pushed by circumstances? And eventually, are you able to separate the artwork from the artist? We now have a proper to criticise however do we now have a proper to ban one thing?
Be it Tamasha’s Ved-Tara, Rockstar’s Jordan or Jai and Meera of Love Aaj kal, Imtiaz’s central characters are sometimes non-conformist, typically even with out being conscious of it. They aren’t rebellious by selection. The intent is to reside freely, extra brazenly and uncover a function alongside the way in which. Chamkila is an in a position successor. He isn’t heroic per se, nor dismissive of the society however chooses to not get bullied into submission. Together with entertaining, the movie makes a social commentary on the (offline) cancel tradition of yore (80s-90s), politics of non secular radicals and repressed sensuality.
At 2 hours, 25 minutes, the movie packs in lots and has a lot to course of, given it’s non linear storytelling, style hopping (docu drama-musical-semi investigative) & political perception. Punjab is considered as a state of extra, be it by way of its excessive love, ardour or management. The second half feels a bit repetitive however AR Rahman’s music (background) and Diljit’s rustic vocals preserve the momentum going. The movie belongs to the actor-singer as he delivers a career-defining efficiency. He brings an ideal mix of humility, frustration and angst to his half. Whereas it is not truthful to count on Parineeti to match as much as Diljit’s singing, she has a likeable presence however her performing pales compared in essential scenes.
The digicam work particularly in Naram Kalja, the place the ladies speak straight to the digicam, stays with you & the one-liners are hilarious.
Given Chamkila’s questionable repute, unapologetic way of living, the movie doesn’t glorify nor justify his actions. It merely permits him an opportunity to be heard. This symphonic story of survival, disgrace and social standing makes for an immersive watch.
PS: When you aren’t well-acquainted with Punjabi, English subtitles are obligatory for this one.
