Iconic voices fire up the Punjabi biopic with stirring songs

Amar Singh Chamkila was controversial, proud and a musical hero who focused his hits on village life before he and his wife were killed in 1988. The artist’s career was equal parts glorious and tempestuous—and the soundtrack to the 2024 film that charts his journey replicates both the sorrow and euphoria that surrounded this influential Punjabi singer. Master composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil craft powerful stompers like “Ishq Mitaye” (sung by Mohit Chauhan) and “Naram Kaalja” (with vocal legend Alka Yagnik), while ballads such as “Vida Karo” and “Tu Kya Jaane” temper the mood with aplomb.