PremiumAs Amar Singh Chamkila streams on Netflix, here are 7 musical biopics available to stream on OTT
Stream into the lives of music legends, from Punjab's Chamkila to America's Ray, with captivating biopics.
Last Updated: 03.40 PM, Apr 12, 2024
The wait is finally over, as Amar Singh Chamkila, the biopic of "Elvis Presley of Punjab," is now streaming on Netflix. Imtiaz Ali's film marks the first instance of a musician's biographical approach in Hindi cinema history. In Amar Singh Chamkila, Diljit Dosanjh plays the titular role, and Parineeti Chopra plays Amarjot, his onscreen wife.
From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of fame in the 1980s owing to the infectious power of his music, the film follows the untold true story of the original rockstar of the masses from Punjab, the highest record-selling artist of his time. However, his meteoric rise to fame came at the cost of many people's lives, culminating in his assassination when he was only 27 years old.
Don't pass up the chance to see Imtiaz, maestro AR Rahman, and Irshad Kamil, the duo responsible for the amazing music, create their magic.
However, there are other biopics based on the lives and times of musicians across the globe available to stream on OTT.
Take a look at them in detail below:
A tribute to the life and music of Bob Marley, who brought hope to many via his songs about unity and love, Bob Marley: One Love is a joyous occasion. For the first time, experience Bob's inspiring life story and the inspiration behind his groundbreaking music as it comes to life on the big screen.
Produced in collaboration with the Marley family, the film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the renowned musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
Bohemian Rhapsody is a captivating ode to Queen, their music, and the remarkable lead singer, Freddie Mercury, who became one of the most beloved performers of all time by rejecting norms and prejudices. The film follows Queen through their incredible ascent, their groundbreaking sound, and Freddie Mercury's solo career before reuniting for one of the most iconic performances in rock history.
Anthony McCarten wrote the script, and Bryan Singer directed it. Joe Mazzello, Gwilym Lee, Lucy Boynton, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Mike Myers are among the supporting cast members, alongside Rami Malek in the role of Mercury. Bohemian Rhapsody took home four Oscars: Best Actor (Malek), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing at the 91st Academy Awards.
The film's complex relationship between Elvis' (Austin Butler) and his mysterious manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), serves as a lens through which to view the musician's narrative. The film follows Parker's account of their complicated relationship as it spans 20 years, from the beginning of Presley's career to the height of his celebrity, all the while setting the story against the background of America's changing cultural landscape and the gradual erosion of its youth. Olivia DeJonge's portrayal of Priscilla Presley is critical in that journey because of her significant influence on Elvis's life.
Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann directed the film, which he co-wrote with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner.
Jamie Foxx plays the iconic soul pioneer who overcame unimaginable odds to become a household name. Ray tells the inspiring life story of Ray Charles, one of the greatest musical geniuses in American history. The incredible life story of Ray, from his modest origins in the South to his ascent to the pinnacle of American music charts, is an uplifting narrative of perseverance, second chances, and the strength of the human soul. "Ray is electrifying," gushes Rolling Stone member Peter Travers.
A grand musical fantasy, Rocketman tells the remarkable human tale of Elton John's breakthrough years. Reggie Dwight, a timid piano prodigy, goes on a fanciful trip in the film as he becomes Elton John, a world-renowned superstar.
British artist Elton John's life, songs, and career are the inspiration for the 2019 biographical jukebox musical drama film Rocketman. Lee Hall, the film's writer and director, casts Taron Egerton as John. Jamie Bell plays the role of Taupin, Richard Madden plays John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard plays John's mother, Sheila Eileen.
Directed by F. Gary Grey, the 2015 American epic biographical drama Straight Outta Compton follows the ascent and demise of the NWA hip-hop group and its members, including Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella. The gang NWA, hailing from the rough neighbourhood of Compton in Los Angeles, California, transformed hip-hop in the mid-1980s with their rhymes and stories about hood life.
The real-life son of Ice Cube, O'Shea Jackson Jr., made his cinematic debut. Jason Mitchell plays Eazy-E, Neil Brown Jr. plays DJ Yella, and Aldis Hodge plays MC Ren. Paul Giamatti portrays Jerry Heller, the manager of NWA.
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is an uplifting and passionate tribute to the legendary singer. The film is a candid look at the multi-dimensional and complicated lady behind The Voice, starring Naomi Ackie and directed by Kasi Lemmons. Anthony McCarten wrote the script, and Clive Davis, the renowned music entrepreneur, produced it. The show transports fans to Houston's remarkable life and career, from her humble beginnings as a choir girl in New Jersey to her status as one of the most successful and acclaimed recording artists of all time, through unforgettable performances and a reimagined version of her most beloved songs. The experience is inspiring, poignant, and deeply emotional.