‘Yo Yo Honey Singh- Famous’ Review: No discussion on controversies, but the story of getting up after falling will make you emotional

Yo Yo Honey Singh, the name that once changed the direction of the Indian music industry. Who had made the music lovers addicted to Bollywood songs so enthralled with fast paced tunes like rap and hip hop that Yo Yo Honey Singh was heard in every party to wedding. However, his/her songs remained in controversies due to objectionable lyrics related to party, alcohol and girls. Regarding an obscene song, the matter reached the police station and court. Still, Honey Singh’s charisma remained intact, but then Honey Singh completely disappeared from the scene. It was revealed that he/she had become a victim of severe type of bipolar disorder. Now the documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh Famous shows the ups and downs journey of Honey Singh, who is trying to make a comeback on the music charts after fighting this mental illness.

Made under the direction of Moze Singh, this documentary film shows aspects like Honey Singh’s initial phase, success, controversies, illness and comeback. For example, the house in Karampura, where despite not having a window, Honey dreamed of becoming a famous singer. The era when this desi artist became so famous that even superstars like Shahrukh Khan-Deepika Padukone started doing ‘Lungi Dance’ to his/her tune. Then, after Delhi’s Nirbhaya case, people’s anger towards Honey Singh’s obscene misogynist songs written on girls’ body parts, the case and controversies like Shahrukh Khan slapping Honey Singh on the Slam Tour and their truth.

Watch the trailer of Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous here

Moz relies mostly on interviews with Honey Singh, his/her close relatives, parents Bhupinder Kaur-Sardar Sarabjit Singh and sister Sneha in this 1 hour 20 minute documentary drama. Have also taken help of some old photos and videos. However, he/she has just touched upon the story of Hirdesh Singh becoming Honey Singh, his/her childhood etc.

There was no discussion on Badshah, ‘Mafir Mundir’ and rap credit.

Similarly, aspects like the dispute with Badshah regarding rap credits like ‘Angrezi Beat’ and ‘Brown Rang’, his/her initial group ‘Mafia Mundir’, separation from Badshah, etc. have not been discussed. This docu-drama does not make any shocking revelations other than the events of the Slam Tour.

Story after Slam Tour, advocacy to stay away from addictions

More emphasis in the documentary is on Honey Singh’s disappearance from the music scene after the Slam Tour, his/her mental illness and the challenge of comeback. Like, why didn’t he/she want to do shows during the Slam Tour? How did he/she remain locked in the house for months, sleeping and crying, what hell did he/she go through during his/her illness? How was he/she always haunted by the fear of his/her death? And how he/she bounced back from this difficult period. But even here there is not much talk on the allegations of role of alcohol and drugs in Honey’s illness. There are only a few dialogues, but the good thing is that this person who has written many songs on alcohol, drugs and party, now advocates living a regular routine and staying away from these addictions.

Many emotional moments in the documentary

‘Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous’ talks about taking mental health seriously. Moz has closely shown the struggle and challenge of Honey Singh to make a comeback. Honey, who has become overweight due to medication, is struggling with her fitness or the challenge of returning to the changed music era. There is a very emotional scene when Honey’s hopes are dashed when new songs like ‘Designer’ and ‘Casanova’ receive negative comments.

There are some other such moments in the series, when one feels like giving a big hug to Honey. However, the documentary would have been more effective had the abuses been avoided or muted and Honey’s early life given importance. Still, it is no less than a gift for Honey Singh’s fans.

Why watch- This documentary based on the life of Honey Singh, which creates awareness about mental health, is a gift for his/her fans.