Chamak Review: Musical thrillers are rare in the Indian content context. While our readers must be thinking about how both can blend together, Sony LIV has brought a Hindi and Punjabi language series titled Chamak that delves deeper into the underbelly of the Punjab music industry.

Chamak comes from the creator-director Rohit Jugraj Chauhan and is streaming on the platform from December 7 and stars an ensemble cast including Paramvir Singh Cheema, Manoj Pahwa, Isha Talwar, Mohit Malik, Mukesh Chhabra, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder (Vicky) Pal, and Akasa Singh. Mila Singh and Gippy Grewal are in cameo roles.

The show follows the story of a young rapper on a quest to unravel the death mystery of his parents while shedding light on the politics, business feuds, family history, and artist killings in the Punjabi music industry. But is the series worth spending time on? Read below to know.

Plot

The show opens with Kaala (Kulwinder Singh Gill), an aspiring rapper and singer in Vancouver prison, going for his parole interview. We come to know that he is a small-time lawbreaker. After he is released, he goes to meet his girlfriend, finds out she is sleeping with another man, and smashes him badly, leaving him unconscious. We also understand that he has a hate relationship with his father.

Soon, we see a reverse Dunki here, as he illegally enters Punjab from Canada and does a small-time job with the dream of becoming a singer. Meanwhile, in Punjab, Kaala discovers that his original father, a legendary singer, Taara Singh, and his mother, Ravpreet Kaur, were shot dead in the midst of a packed performance.

He steers his way through a dangerous path, as his sole dedication is now to find out who killed his parents and why. However, to reach them, he has to first become a singer and carefully craft his ploys to get to the bottom of long-hidden truths.

What's good what's bad

Although the Chamak story is nothing new that hasn't been told before, it's the refreshing take on the plot and setting that makes up for an engrossing watch. The show's premise has high potential, and its content depiction shows how much truthfulness has gone into its making. This can be verified as the screenplay remains true to its title as it develops some eccentric characters who stay close enough to their essence.

It starts on a slow note, but as it picks up momentum, it keeps you hooked entirely throughout till the end, creating an engaging watch. The screenplay perfectly captures the glitz and glamour of the Punjab film industry while showing us the murkier part of its commercial side.

Corruption, the dark Nexus, and politics blended with vileness and jealousy form the underlying themes of the plot, nicely portrayed by the actors. The show also deals with the taboo themes of the LGBT community, which is looked down upon in Punjab.

In a few places, it goes erratic and also has its ups and downs. Its accented way of infusing music with a thrilling narrative is what makes it watchable and engaging.

Music is the soul of Chamak, as it covers some beautiful and soothing traditional folk Punjabi music along with modern beats, hip-hop, and Punjabi pop. It's music that serves all. The music progresses with the story and has been sensibly incorporated in a way that would resonate with viewers.

Performances

Chamak has some wonderful performances to offer. Paramvir Singh Cheema, as Kaala, has expressive and brooding eyes, is unpredictable and wild, and embodies the right elements of an artist aching to nearly perfection. On the other hand, Cheema also portrays his past traumas really well as someone who is determined to avenge his parents deaths.

Suvinder Vicky, after Netflix Khorra proves that he is the best discovery of 2023, is serious about his art and gives another best shot despite small screen time.

Manoj Pahwa is a legend when it comes to pulling off complex characters. He plays a strict father and an unkind businessman who entertains no nonsense with ease.

Isha Talwar is full of energy and brings out the urban chic side impressively.

However, it is Mohit Malik who plays a gay earnesty. He outshines many, especially in vulnerable and breaking-down scenes.

Verdict

Apart from some brilliant performances, Chamak must be given credit for blending music and thriller with precision. Though the story lacks conviction at places and comes out a little cliche, its compelling plot of exposing the dark and nastier side of the music industry turns out pretty clear.

Chamak deserves a chance for its uniqueness in character portrayal, fresh storytelling, and, of course, melodious music.