- By Srishti Pandey
- Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Imtiaz Ali’s latest film, Amar Singh Chamkila, has been making waves ever since its release on Netflix on April 12, 2024. The biographical drama, which stars Diljit Dosanjh as the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, recently took home the title of Breakout Film of the Year at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). With this accolade in hand, Imtiaz Ali is now hopeful that the film will also garner recognition at the National Awards.
According to News18, speaking from Melbourne, where the IFFM awards gala was held, Imtiaz Ali shared his thoughts on the film's success and its potential for further recognition. He addressed the initial uncertainty regarding the eligibility of direct-to-digital films for the National Awards but expressed optimism following a favourable verdict for such films. "There was confusion about whether films that are released direct-to-digital will be allowed to participate in National Awards, but I think there’s a verdict on that now, which is in favour of direct-to-digital films. I’m hopeful the National Awards will look kindly on Amar Singh Chamkila,” Ali said.
The film, often referred to as a "people's film" by Ali, resonates deeply with audiences beyond the major cities, reaching into the heartland of India. The director believes that the film's appeal to a broad audience is one of its strongest assets, and he is hopeful that this widespread appreciation will be reflected in the upcoming award season. "What I personally liked about the film is that it is made out of metros and mini-metros, and it goes into the heartland of India, where most of the country lives. I’m hopeful that the population of the country will appreciate that,” Ali added.
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The IFFM award for Breakout Film of the Year holds significant meaning for Ali, who values audience appreciation as the ultimate validation of his work. While he acknowledges that awards bring a sense of joy, Ali hopes that the film’s popularity will continue to grow and be recognized by prestigious platforms like the National Awards. He expressed, “The validation that I seek is the warmth and popularity among the audience as a filmmaker. (But) It does make me feel happy to receive an award. I hope the popularity of the film is reflected in the awards as well. I’m sure everyone in the unit will be happy about the awards. Hopefully, the Breakout Film Award will start a trend.”
Amar Singh Chamkila explores the life and legacy of the iconic Punjabi singer, often hailed as the Elvis Presley of Punjab. Chamkila was known for his raw and unapologetic lyrics, which resonated with the masses and cemented his place as a controversial yet beloved figure in Punjabi music. The movie delves into his meteoric rise to fame in the 1980s, his impact on the music scene and the circumstances surrounding his tragic and untimely death.
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Starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles, Amar Singh Chamkila marked Imtiaz Ali’s debut on a streaming platform. The film captures the vibrant yet turbulent atmosphere of Punjab during Chamkila’s era, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges and controversies that defined his career and personal life.