Interview/ Imtiaz Ali addresses 'controversy' over Diljit Dosanjh's no-turban look in Chamkila

Imtiaz Ali is returning to director's chair with Chamkila after 2020 release Love Aaj Kal 2. A reboot of his own 2009 classic, Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan starrer failed to impress audience and critics alike. Despite high expectations and promise that came with new pairing of 'Sartik', romantic drama turned out to be a box office dud. Now, director is gearing up for his next, Chamkila, based on life and times of famed Punjabi musician and his wife, Amarjot. movie stars Diljit Dosanjh in titular role alongside newly-married Parineeti Chopra.

After teaser of film was launched in June earlier this year, Chamkila managed to raise curiosity of fans. film promises to be a musical, a genre in which Ali has proven his mettle (Rockstar). However, a section of audience objected to Diljit, a Sikh, losing his turban for role. While brushing off any negativity or controversy surrounding his upcoming release, Ali also reflected on his return to genre and how it "invigorated" him in an interview with Republic Digital's Mugdha Kapoor.

2 things you need to know

• Chamkila is eyeing an OTT release in 2024.
• Diljit Dosanjh played role of Amar Singh Chamkila in Jogi before upcoming Imtiaz Ali film.

Imtiaz Ali dresses controversy over Diljit's look in Amar Singh Chamkila

Chamkila traces rise and untimely demise of Amar Singh Chamkila, one of most influential artists in Punjabi music industry. Chamkila was assassinated at 27 along with his wife, a case that remains shrouded in mystery even now.

(A still from Chamkila teaser | Image: YouTube)

teaser, launched earlier this year, introduced Chamkila as " person who ruled minds and hearts for years". It gave a fleeting glimpse of Diljit as famed musician. While teaser managed to elicit a positive response, a section of social media users also pointed out fact that Diljit, a Sikh, was sporting a turban-less look onscreen.

Some old pictures of Lover singer and actor, in which he appeared turban-less, also surfaced online. Some alleged that makers h "no regard" for cultural sentiments of Sikh community. When asked about this, Ali dismissed any controversy surrounding it saying, "No, it's all looking positive. It's all being looked at very positively by everybody."

Imtiaz Ali on feeling 'invigorated' by Chamkila

For Imtiaz Ali, Chamkila holds promise in more ways than one. While director has shown a knack for musicals, cleverly mixing sound into narratives (Jab We Met, Rockstar, Love Aaj Kal), he will be dabbling in genre of biopic for first time. Ali emphasised that working on Chamkila was a refreshing experience for him.

"It's fresh, like I felt very fresh while making it. For me, it was a completely new experience. I felt very invigorated and rejuvenated. I hope that audience also feels all of that when y see film and I can't wait for people to watch it," he shared.

Filmed through pandemic, film is eyeing a direct-to-OTT release on Netflix next year. Chamkila reunites Ali with AR Rahman after Rockstar, Highway, and Tamasha.