Sparks are few and far between in the musical thriller series “Chamak,” created and directed by Rohit Jugraj. While it attempts to delve into the Punjabi popular music scene and its social context, it falls short of breaking free from generic revenge saga devices. The series follows Kaala, an aspiring singer who flees Vancouver after getting into trouble with the law, only to stumble upon a secret in Chandigarh that turns his life upside down.
“Chamak” features a range of songs composed and sung by Punjabi stars, adding to the allure of the series. However, the narrative fails to match the highs achieved by the music. Kaala, portrayed by Paramvir Singh Cheema, must navigate the rough and tumble of the music industry while uncovering the truth behind the assassination of popular pop singer Tara Singh.
Kaala teams up with a determined journalist named Gurpal Singh, played by Kuljeet Singh, to uncover the mystery surrounding Tara Singh’s death. As they dig deeper, they face opposition from powerful individuals who want to keep the truth hidden. Meanwhile, Kaala’s own dreams of a music career are repeatedly sidelined as he becomes entangled in the investigation.
The series also explores the quest for stardom in a demanding industry and the dynamics of power in talent spotting and promotion. However, it fails to fully explore the themes of an artist’s non-conformism and the lack of representation in journalism.
Despite its shortcomings, “Chamak” boasts a talented cast, with standout performances from Paramvir Singh Cheema, Isha Talwar, Manoj Pahwa, and Suvinder Vicky. The music in the series is outstanding, but the overall sparkle of the show is subdued.
In summary, “Chamak” offers glimpses of potential but ultimately falls short in delivering a truly captivating musical thriller experience.
