Yaariyan: for NRI audience?

Definitely made for the NRI audience, the movie ‘Yaariyan’ seems to do the trick that was desired for by the movie makers. Now, you cannot deny the fact that Punjabi songs sell no matter where you release them. Being a musical drama ‘Yaariyan’ definitely owes its success to its rocking Punjabi music. A major chunk of the NRIs worldwide are essentially Punjabis and this movie’s worldwide release wanted to impress this specific breed. If you take a look at the UK box office, you would definitely find the previous years major successes were all Punjabi movies.

Rating: 2/5

‘Yaariyan’ is the story of any man who leaves his country, family and kin to search for success and fulfilling dreams. Produced under the banner of Pinky Basrao Films, this movie has been directed by Deepak Grewal, who has also written the story. The movie stars Gurdas Mann, Bhumika Chawla, Om Puri, Gulshan Grover, Okuku Wanyama, Raj Toora, Harjinder Singh with Farida Jalal and Asrani in special appearance.

Gurdas Mann Bhumika Chawla in Yaariyan

Gurdas Mann plays Jassa Singh an essential Indian born and bred man, who seeks to fulfill his dreams. He travels far to fulfill his dreams and what happens in his journey makes it even worthwhile. What makes this movie sellable is the fact that the movie lets the lonely man who has gone to the West in search of his dreams relate to the protagonist. The journey may look romantic from the cover but can be as tricky and beguiling as possible. Everyman who has made a fortune in the West would vouch for the fact that at some point or the other they have left the companionship of hardwork and honesty. ‘Yaariyan’ builds on this guilt conscious Indian born righteous man, even though quite late but realizes what all he has left behind in the mad rush. In their wish to achieve success faster, most take short cuts or adopt unscrupulous means. It is their souls that awakens them and makes them see what has happened to them and how following dreams madly has left them completely changed and troubled. They are happy to narrate the so-called white fairy tales but are afraid to stumble upon the unwanted and black truths and the difficult choices they made to reach their destinations never comes to the surface.

‘Yaaryan’ has some very good actors and they bring life to the story that is so philosophically portrayed by them. The Icon of Punjab Gurdas Mann can be credited as the sole pillar behind the global reach Punjabi ‘Bhangra’ is enjoying today. He has given many a hit performances such as ‘Shaheed Udham Singh’ and his more recent ‘Des Hoyaa Pardes’ a remake of the movie ‘Life is Beautiful’ and based on real events. The movie also stars Om Puri and Gulshan Grover, who are renowned actors in both English and Hindi movies. The presence of such actors does good to the movie. Bhumika Chawla looks befitting the role but her portrayal could have been done with a little more beauty and tenderness. We also have another dreamer from the third world, who wants to make it big in Canada. This lively character has been portrayed by Okuku Wanyama, who has done justice to this role. Okuku reaches Canada the same day as Jassa Singh and he also falls victim to the same fate as the later. The movie brings in a lot of situational comedy and also sensitive issues.

Gurdas Mann Bhumika Chawla in Yaariyan

Being a musical drama, the music for ‘Yaariyan’ has been provided by Onkar, Jaidev Kumar, Sachin Ahuja and Aadesh Shrivastava. The melodious title song has been sung by Gurdas Mann and Sukhwinder Singh. This song has a pinch of western touch to please the NRI crowed and fulfills demands of the pop culture. The rest of the songs are sung by renowned singers like Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Sadhana Sargam, Alisha Chinoy, Tarannum and Firoze Khan and are equally pleasing to the ear and promise for a foot tapping experience. The only condition in understanding the lyrics, which are in Punjabi, may prove a hurdle but going by the music it’s enough to set the dance floor on fire.

Over all, the movie is made for a specific audience group and it fulfills the expectation. Mostly, it is a good movie with a good intention and is a light watch with your family.

Rating: 2/5

— Mahua Ray for Hamara Photos