Animal: Meet the voice behind this Punjabi song in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Animal'

Animal, Arjan Vailly:  The current chart-topper "Arjan Vailly" from Ranbir Kapoor's soon-to-be-released movie, Animal, is garnering attention. This Punjabi track, rooted in a beloved folk melody, intricately weaves Sikh historical elements into the film's narrative. While initial assumptions linked the song's title to Ranbir's on-screen character, named Arjun, the truth reveals a more profound connection. The song holds a deeper significance, honouring one of the most formidable Sikh warriors.

The Punjabi folk singer from Punjab's Kurali near Mohali, Bhupinder Babbal has sung this song. The famous Punjabi folk songs such as which Mirza Sahiba and Kavishri.

Within a mere 72 hours of its debut, "Arjan Vailly" has surged to the No. 3 position on YouTube India's trends. Accumulating over 11 million views exclusively on YouTube and claiming the top spot on Spotify's charts, this 'Dhadi Vaar'-inspired track swiftly found its way onto Instagram Reels.

Dhadi Vaar

In June 2023, during the release of the pre-teaser, there was notable excitement surrounding the inclusion of the line 'Arjan Vailly Ne Pair Jod Ke Gandassi Maari,' as heralded by the Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh.

The essence of the Dhadi-Vaar musical genre traces its origins back to the era of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. According to Sikh folklore, these compositions were sung during the intense battles against the Mughals in the 18th century, adding a historical depth to this musical form.

Arjan Vailly emerges as a character deeply entrenched in Punjabi narratives, much like the revered rebel hero Jagga Jatt from the 20th century or the legendary bandit Jeona Morh, often compared to a Robin Hood figure. However, the thematic underpinning of the song, Ranbir's character portrayal, and its overall ambiance seem to draw inspiration from the apex period of Sikh feudal conquests, marked by a history of wars and battles during the Raj.

The song's lyrics offer a tantalising glimpse into the narrative of Arjan Vailly, depicted as a 'vailly' or 'velly'—a term denoting a lawless, aggressive individual—wielding a 'gandassi' (an axe) and fearlessly carving through adversaries, painting a vivid picture of his confrontations and combative nature.

Who was Arjan Vailly? Know all about him below:

• Arjan Vailly, also known as Arjan Singh Nalva or Arjan 'Vailly', hailed from the Malwa region, situated in southern Punjab between the Ghagghar and Sutlej rivers. His origins trace back to the village of Kaunke, located near Jagroan, in present-day Ludhiana, Punjab, as documented in the Sikh encyclopedia.
• Born into a family with historical significance within the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, Arjan was the youngest among four sons of Hari Singh Nalva, the esteemed Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj.
• Hari Singh Nalva, famously known as Baghmaari, exhibited remarkable bravery and significantly expanded the frontiers of the Sikh Empire, extending its reach beyond the Indus River up to the Khyber Pass in present-day Afghanistan.
• Under the care of Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Arjan Vailly took an active role in defending the sovereignty of the Sikh State against the encroaching British expansionism. As tensions escalated in the backdrop of the looming second Anglo-Sikh war in October 1848, Arjan aligned himself with the Sikh army, opposing the British forces.
• Seeking refuge within his fortified house in Gujranwala, Arjan Singh managed to evade capture despite the surrounding of his residence by Brigadier Campbell's troops, as chronicled in the Sikh Encyclopedia.
• The song, 'Arjan Vailly,' in the context of Ranbir Kapoor's character in Animal, metaphorically mirrors the historical essence of this real-life figure. Drawing parallels between the two brings to light intriguing similarities, shedding light on the valor, defiance, and resilience embodied by both the actual Arjan Vailly and Ranbir's character in the film.

Know the meaning 

• The utilisation of the 'gandassi' as a weapon symbolises an impactful force, emphasizing the combined strength behind every forceful strike, as highlighted by the phrase 'pair jod ke' (feet tied together).
• The imagery of bulls, or 'saand,' colliding illustrates the ferocity and intensity reminiscent of the battles of that era. Metaphors such as 'phulkari' (Sikh scarves or dupattas traditionally worn by women) being torn apart and 'leer o leer' vividly paint a picture, underscoring the magnitude of the conflicts.
• Visually, the song captures the tumultuous chaos of battle, encapsulating the indomitable spirit of 'Arjan Vailly' amidst the melee.
• The mention of 'Singhs' standing shoulder to shoulder like lions reinforces a prevailing sense of strength and unity among comrades-in-arms, highlighting their unyielding solidarity.
• References to blood flowing like overflowing water signify the sheer brutality of the confrontations, while the comparison to a 'sher' (lion) epitomizes Arjan's unflinching and fearless demeanor in the face of adversity. These metaphors and visual cues within the song craft a compelling narrative, painting a vivid portrait of Arjan Vailly's character and the tumultuous intensity of the conflicts he faced.

The details below

• The folklore of Arjan Vailly has been interpreted through various retellings, including adaptations in stories and films such as the 1982 movie 'Putt Jattan De'.
• The teaser of Animal taps into the rich tapestry of Punjabi folklore, offering a glimpse into the cultural nuances of the region, fostering a sense of familiarity.
• Animal seems to present a contemporary twist on the traditional folk-agrarian-gandasa genre seen in Punjabi cinema, akin to a modern take on the classic Punjabi spaghetti westerns. This genre has garnered considerable interest among Punjabi audiences on both sides of the border in recent years.
• Ranbir's character in Animal and his gang embody a rebellious spirit and unwavering determination, evident through the intense fight sequences, aligning with the essence of the folklore.
• The film's release slated for December 1 may delve into the father-son relationship, potentially adding layers to the narrative, mirroring the historical context of Arjan Singh Nalva and Hari Singh Nalva.
• Anil Kapoor's portrayal of Ranbir's father might deepen the storyline, potentially reflecting historical tensions and alliances, creating dynamics within the characters that echo the historical references.