Chamak Review: Presents a unique musical thriller with a captivating plot and stellar performances

New Delhi: Filmmaker Rohit Jugraj of Punjab helms the musical thriller web series Chamak, which is based on a fictional story about a rapper named Kaala. Kaala goes back to Punjab from Canada to uncover the conspiracy that killed his father, Taara Singh, a famous Punjabi singer who was shot and killed 25 years ago while performing.

The much-anticipated Chamak is officially streaming on SonyLiv starting today, December 5.

Review of the Series

Chamak may seem like a musical thriller, but it has more than just two plot lines spread out across six episodes. Rohit Jugraj Chauhan was able to construct an engaging narrative around music.

Every moment of the series is justified by Paramvir Cheema’s performance as ‘Kaala,’ a dark-hued, irritable, but emotionally fragile artist. Perfect performances are given by Manoj Pahwa, Isha Talwar, and others who are part of this symphony acting ensemble with him.

The narrative and characters of Chamak are introduced slowly but steadily. The shaky script in the beginning and the first two episodes start to move when Kaala accepts the reality of his parents’ deaths.

#Chamak – a gripping dive into the Punjabi music world, blending mystery and emotional depth.
Stellar performances, evocative music, and a darkly compelling narrative.
Minor loose ends aside, a solid series! #ChamakSeries #SonyLiv#ParamvirSinghCheema #IshaTalwar

— Cinephile Review (@WandererUser) December 6, 2023

The dynamics of power in the talent spotting and music industry are examined by Chamak in an excruciatingly technical way, as does the search for fame in an extremely demanding sector.

But even if the director was careful, the script nonetheless wanders at random points. An intriguing twist occurs in the middle of Chamak that heightens the tension leading up to the finale. The use of actual singers from the culturally rich Punjab has added depth and metafiction to the story by Rohit Jugraj Chauhan.

Review| “#Chamak, barring the music it assembles to prop up a predictable storyline, does not shine quite as bright as the title suggests” – read herehttps://t.co/uj1tX2cqMe pic.twitter.com/eJzfNZfrLF

— NDTV Movies (@moviesndtv) December 6, 2023

Featuring a wide variety of musical styles—from upbeat to downbeat, romantic to radical—the six-part series often fumbles for the correct tempo. It tries to go deeply into the social backdrop of Punjabi popular music but becomes stuck in the same tired vengeance story tropes.

All genres of music are represented on the album, from Hip-Hop to Punjabi Pop, from Hindustani Classical to Sufi, and from folk songs to Punjabi synth wave. Consequently, it serves to advance the plot rather than just serve as a plot point.

Outside of the music it uses to support an unoriginal plot, Chamak isn’t quite as good as the name lets on.

Thrilled to get such rave reviews for Chamak @SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/9jqWhbFilr

— RG Rudram Productions (@RgRudram) December 6, 2023

Although the music scene has been criticised for its sexist lyrics and limited beats, the women in Chamak are no doormats.#Chamak review by @UditaJ | Tap on image to read. https://t.co/8uWJdRnn5o

— The Reel (@TheReel_in) December 7, 2023

dunno how many of y’all are aware of this sony liv show called #chamak which is loosely based on the unsolved murders of amar singh chamkila & amarjot, but ya, it exists. has nice songs. has a few familiar faces. that’s about it.https://t.co/PVlQd98OW3 via @dmtalkies

— Pramit (@pramitheus) December 7, 2023