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

Imtiaz Ali is returning to the director's chair with Chamkila after the 2020 release Love Aaj Kal 2. A reboot of his own 2009 classic, the Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan starrer failed to impress the audience and critics alike. Despite high expectations and the promise that came with the new pairing of 'Sartik', the romantic drama turned out to be a box office dud. Now, the director is gearing up for his next, Chamkila, based on the life and times of the famed Punjabi musician and his wife, Amarjot. The movie stars Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role alongside newly-married Parineeti Chopra.After the teaser of the film was launched in June earlier this year, Chamkila managed to raise the curiosity of the fans. The film promises to be a musical, a genre in which Ali has proven his mettle (Rockstar). However, a section of the audience objected to Diljit, a Sikh, losing his turban for the role. While brushing off any negativity or controversy surrounding his upcoming release, Ali also reflected on his return to the genre and how it "invigorated" him in an interview with Republic Digital's Mugdha Kapoor.2 things you need to knowChamkila is eyeing an OTT release in 2024.Diljit Dosanjh played the role of Amar Singh Chamkila in Jogi before the upcoming Imtiaz Ali film.Imtiaz Ali addresses controversy over Diljit's look in Amar Singh ChamkilaChamkila traces the rise and the untimely demise of Amar Singh Chamkila, one of the most influential artists in the 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)The teaser, launched earlier this year, introduced Chamkila as "the person who ruled minds and hearts for years". It gave a fleeting glimpse of Diljit as the famed musician. While the teaser managed to elicit a positive response, a section of social media users also pointed out the fact that Diljit, a Sikh, was sporting a turban-less look onscreen.Some old pictures of the Lover singer and actor, in which he appeared turban-less, also surfaced online. Some alleged that the makers had "no regard" for the cultural sentiments of the 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 ChamkilaFor Imtiaz Ali, Chamkila holds promise in more ways than one. While the director has shown a knack for musicals, cleverly mixing sound into narratives (Jab We Met, Rockstar, Love Aaj Kal), he will be dabbling in the genre of the biopic for the 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 the audience also feels all of that when they see the film and I can't wait for people to watch it," he shared.Filmed through the pandemic, the film is eyeing a direct-to-OTT release on Netflix next year. Chamkila reunites Ali with AR Rahman after Rockstar, Highway, and Tamasha.

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

In an interview with Republic, Imtiaz Ali emphasised that working on Chamkila starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra was a refreshing experience for him.

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