Imtiaz Ali, the maestro of contemporary Hindi cinema, paints his cinematic canvas with unrivaled artistry. With characters like Jordan in Rockstar, Ved in Tamasha, and now Chamkila, his “Tales of Troubled Artists” unravel the complexities of the human soul. Each frame is a masterpiece, a profound exploration of the human condition.
Music in Ali’s Films
Ali’s films rely heavily on music. It has always been the heart and soul in his films. Be it bringing out the unapologetically playful and spirited character of Geet, Jordan finding a way to face/ express his feelings or Veera finally discovering freedom in Highway, the music has been the sole storyteller. Music has served as the only means to the end. Chamkila is yet again a collaboration with A.R Rahman on the musical front.
Troubled Artists in Ali’s Films:
With Jordan, tumbling down in life, seeking inspiration for the musician inside him in Rockstar; Ved who has lost his true self and yearns for happiness in life in the movie Tamasha; A troubled artist struggling to find purpose in life, is a scenario we have seen often in Imtiaz Ali’s films. An artist’s art is what he owns, and is what drives him/her through life. Ali realises this and it is exactly what reflects in his films. Chamkila being a fearless musician, with an unfortunate, tragic end sits with Ali’s telling of a modern tragedy.
Why Chamkila’s Story Needs to Be Told?
Society likes creating patterns, routines, and rules to govern those patterns and boundaries. This contradicts our varying aptitudes and natural skills. When a civilisation gets this big, it is bound to get lazy and laziness comes from lack of thought. So artists who have dared to speak against the mundanity and brought out the darkness that lies in the underbelly, that everyone is aware of but dares not acknowledge, have been shunned down by the society.
There are few artists who are brave enough to look beyond entertainment/fame. They desire to provoke thought with their art. Chamkila used the power of his music and words to reach out to the masses and create awareness about controversial topics and issues that are seen as taboo in society. Such artists keep us on our toes, not letting us sleep on the wheel. Chamkila deserved better, his music deserves to live on, for as many years to come. Ali’s Chamkila might just be another gush, another push that a skeptical, procrastinating youngster might be looking for.
