Imtiaz Ali reveals the biggest compliment for Amar Singh Chamkila in the wake of its Emmy nomination
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali couldn’t be more thrilled about his Netflix biopic “Amar Singh Chamkila.” The film just snagged a nomination at the International Emmy Awards, but for Ali, the real highlight came from an unexpected fan at the premiere.
During a chat with , Ali shared the story of Mr. Benz, an elderly former Superintendent of Police from Ropar, Punjab, who served there in the turbulent 1980s. Ali admitted he felt nervous meeting him after the screening. “He could have just turned around and told me that this is not the right portrayal of those times and criticised it,” Ali said. “It would have been so humiliating as a filmmaker for me.”
Instead, Benz left Ali speechless with praise. The retired officer said the movie transported him right back to the 1980s in Punjab. He even asked, “How did you know the exact nuances that happened in Punjab during the 80s?” Ali calls that reaction his biggest compliment yet—one that tops even the Emmy nod.
Ali also opened up about the film’s unique premiere, which he pushed for in true old-school style at Mumbai’s historic Liberty Cinema. Despite advice that it might not help marketing, Ali stuck to his guns. “So Diljit was like, ‘I will.’ I’ll invest half the money,” Ali recalled with a laugh, referring to star Diljit Dosanjh.
Netflix’s Monika Shergill jumped on board, and the event turned out magical. Guests braved heavy traffic and tough weather to attend. “It was an absolutely charming event… truly very, very special,” Ali added.
For those new to the story, “Amar Singh Chamkila” dives into the life of the legendary Punjabi folk singer who rose to fame in the 1980s before his tragic assassination. Diljit Dosanjh brings Chamkila to life, while Parineeti Chopra plays his wife and singing partner, Amarjot Kaur. A.R. Rahman composed the soundtrack, and Irshad Kamil wrote the lyrics, blending catchy tunes with the era’s gritty reality.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
