Why is Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ Releasing Directly on OTT? Imtiaz Ali Reveals

Imtiaz Ali is gearing up for the release of ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, starring Diljit Dosanjh, which is slated to premiere on Netflix instead of in theatres. The film has become the talk of the town as it takes a closer look at the life of the popular singer, dubbed as the ‘Elvis of Punjab’. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the filmmaker revealed the reason behind opting for a direct-to-OTT release for the biographical drama. He said this has been done to ensure that the story reaches even those not from Punjab. 

 “So, it’s a new thing and I feel that there is a certain reach and the point of making Chamkila for me, I am a Hindi film director but making Chamkila in Hindi I thought was necessary because Chamkila is a very big subject and I think it’s a universal subject. So, I wanted people who are not from Punjab should also see it and enjoy it. People perhaps that are not from this country and don’t even speak these native languages should be able to enjoy it. So, that’s the reason why we made Chamkila in Hindi, that’s not your question, but that’s my answer,” he said.

‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ stars Parineeti Chopra as the leading lady and is produced by Imtiaz Ali and Mohit Choudhary. It is set to premiere on Netflix on April 12. 

Diljit, one of Punjabi cinema’s brightest actors and singers, made his Bollywood debut with ‘Udta Punjab’ (2016). He then appeared in well-received Hindi films such as ‘Soorma’, Phillauri, ‘Good Newwz’, and ‘Jogi’. It remains to be seen whether Amar Singh Chamkila helps him further consolidate his standing in Hindi cinema. 

This will be his first release after ‘Crew’, which hit screens on March 29. Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon headline the cast. Kapil Sharma makes a special appearance in the comedy-drama.