Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, the documentary about the popular rapper, has recently been released on Netflix. Unfortunately, despite its promising teaser, the documentary doesn’t offer anything new or exciting. While the rapper’s life could have been explored in a fascinating way, the film misses the mark.
Potential and Promise
Directed by Mozez Singh, who is known for his work on the series Human, and produced by Guneet Monga, who has a reputation for supporting unconventional projects, the documentary had a lot of potential. Honey Singh’s story is one of transformation — a young boy from Delhi who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Indian music. The documentary begins with some footage from his teenage years, setting an optimistic tone and hinting at the promise of an inspiring underdog story.
Repetitive and Predictable Content
However, as the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that it offers little that is fresh. The questions and topics discussed feel like they belong in a typical Bollywood film. The documentary briefly touches on Honey Singh’s biggest controversies, like the explicit song “Ch*t”, but quickly brushes them aside when he denies responsibility for it. This isn’t new information—Honey Singh has made similar statements in interviews before, so viewers are left wondering what makes this documentary special.
The film also revisits the rumor about Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan allegedly slapping Honey Singh during a concert. Again, Singh and his sister simply deny it, repeating what he has said in earlier interviews. Even the rapper’s mental health struggles, including his bipolar diagnosis, are mentioned, but Singh himself has been open about his struggles for years, making this segment feel less like a revelation and more like a rehash of old information.
Nothing Surprising
At the heart of Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous is a lack of new insights. The documentary does show some human moments, like when Singh gets emotional while talking about his time at home, unemployed, and struggling with his mental health. Seeing his family struggle alongside him adds a personal touch. However, these moments don’t feel like groundbreaking revelations. They are simply glimpses into a well-known narrative.
Missed Opportunities and Odd Moments
One of the most questionable parts of the documentary is a staged interaction with a “super fan”. The fan meets Honey Singh on the streets at night, crying as he sings for her. The scene feels scripted and detracts from the authenticity of the film. When the documentary touches on Singh’s controversial divorce from Shalini, Singh brushes it off by saying, “We have signed a MoU, so I can’t talk about it.” This just leaves viewers asking why the documentary was made if it’s only going to repeat information Singh has already shared.
Big Gaps in the Story
Another glaring omission is the lack of focus on Mafia Mundeer, Singh’s former music group. This is mentioned only briefly in passing when talking about a controversial song, but there is no deeper exploration into its significance or the group’s impact on Singh’s career.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous feels like a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be an insightful look into the rapper’s life and career, but instead, it ended up feeling like a promotional piece. Much like Sanju, another film that was criticized for glorifying its subject, this documentary seems more interested in whitewashing Singh’s past than providing an objective and honest take. Instead of offering fresh perspectives, it simply compiles old stories and brushes over the controversies that have defined Singh’s career.
