Yaraan Nal Baharaan...Jimmy Shergill and Juhi Babbar...Yash Raj...

this Babbar Sher film

Exactly.

In the past, even average Punjabi films have been playing upwards of 8 weeks in Toronto in mainstream theatres. Yaaran Naal Baharan seems to be technically better than previous ones.

------------------


Starring Juhi Babbar and Jimmy Shergill.

By Joginder Tuteja, October 14, 2005 - 12:41 IST

With big budget Punjabi movies turning out to be successes in recent years, more and more film makers are showing keen interest in making a regional flick. After Jee Aayan Nu [2003] and Asa Nu Maan Watna Da [2004], director Manmohan Singh [who was once a regular cinematographer with Yash Chopra] comes up with yet another eye pleasing entertainer 'Yaara Naal Baharaan'. Jimmy Shergill and Juhi Babbar [Kaash Aap Hamare Hote] make their debut in a Punjabi film while veterans Raj Babbar and Anupam Kher form the rest of the starcast. Produced by Preetpal Shergill, Dalwinder Lidher and Samit Brar, YNB has music by Jaidev Kumar while Babu Singh Maan writes the lyrics. With music on Yashraj label, one expects some lilting musical score.

Since the film is based in a campus where the two love birds meet, the opening track 'College Vich Padna' revolves around the fun and frolic associated with college days. Rendered by Sukhwinder Singh, it is as expected a foot tapping number that could easily double up as a celebrations number. The signature tune that accompanies the track throughout adds on to the overall effect of the song that is quite enjoyable.

Sardool Sikandar and Feroz Khan come together for a song about love, affection and togetherness - 'Dil Nai Lagda'. A soothing track with a consistent rhythm throughout, it never appears harsh on ears and instead is a stable ride throughout. Rendition by both the singers is subtle without turning loud even once and that's the reason why the track sounds good in spite of it being a bit lengthy.

Feroz Khan gets to do a solo 'Luk Luk' next, which is yet another soothing track in quick succession. Very easy on ears with a right level of pace required for a song that belongs to 'dard-e-judaai' genre, it is about weeping for your loved one who is being missed terribly. The best sounding track so far, instead of becoming a drag [as most of the Bollywood sad numbers turn out to be], it in fact catches your attention for which big share of credit should go to the lyricist Babu Singh Mann who is known for his touching lyrics.

Well, if one thought that only Hindi movie music is incomplete without a Sunidhi Chauhan number then that thinking may soon change, as she makes a foray into Punjabi films as well. Along with Arvinder Singh, she sings 'Le Main Teri', a romantic melodious duet that is straight out of a Yash Chopra setting. Don't be surprised if you see 'sarson-ke-khet' and some other scenic locations in this sweet sounding track. While Arvinder is good, Sunidhi is a delight in the track where she tones down her pitch considerably to come up with a beautiful rendition. One wonders why Bollywood doesn't explore this side of hers too often?

After Arvinder Singh, it's Amrinder Gill's turn to join Sunidhi Chauhan for 'Khedan Ke Din'. A peppy track about living life to the fullest, it is fast paced and is about a young girl who is enjoying with her friends and family, though it changes track towards the second half of the song with the pace dipping down and mood turning more somber.

Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Jaspinder Narula, Arvinder Singh and Simerjeet Kumar, 'Haan De Munde' is a 'ched-chad' song in a true Punjabi celebration mode with beats of 'dhol' throughout the track. A foot tapping track, it is rendered quite well with good support from the chorus. Composer Jaidev Kumar comes up with a well balanced track that should be quite enjoyable on screen and would be easily identifiable in all parts of the country and not just the Punjab belt.

The album comes to an end with the title song 'Yaara Naal Bahaaran' crooned by Sukhwinder Singh. Yet another foot tapping number based on strong beats throughout, it is a high-on-spirits track that brings out the youthful mood of the film and hence makes for a befitting end to the album.

In nutshell, the album is a good mix of love songs, fun tracks and a couple of sad tracks as well.

I just saw it. First, I don't speak Punjabi. Second, I was able to glean most of what was going on just fine with what Hindi I know, and the subtitles adaquately filled in the handful of what remained "missing." Third, the movie is just about "OK"; it offers absolutely nothing new — basically being just one more "Hindi love story," albeit in Punjabi — but the execution and performances are watchable. A few scenes (e.g., when Shergill asks his classmates what he and his girlfriend should do) are genuine and interesting, but, overall, things are pretty "by-the-book." If you're looking for a moderate way to kill about two hours and a half, Yaraan Naal Baharaan's probably not the worst way to do so.