MUMBAI — “Zorawar” has become the biggest Punjabi film of 2016. Produced by Rajiee M. Shinde and Rabindra Narayan and directed by Vinnil Markan, the film stars Yo Yo Honey Singh in his acting debut with Pavan Malhotra, Mukul Dev, Achint Kaur, Parul Gulati, Gurbani J, Amit Behl and Jasmine in the cast.
Here are 5 reasons why it has become big:
1. Yo Yo Honey Singh as the leading man: Apart from the novelty of the popular rapper-singer-composer as an action hero, there is also his much-bandied-about recent ailment that has led to a curiosity element. This apart fom his loyal fans who wanted to watch him as a lead actor and action hero, just like Kapil Sharma last year in his debut feature film.
2. Action: Punjabi audiences have been traditionally partial to action films, even in Hindi.
3. Weak opposition: Though three films released alongside it, they were all weak, giving “Zorawar” a local advantage. Why would someone prefer Sharman Joshi (“1920 London”), Manoj Bajpayee (“Traffic”)and even Sunny Leone (“One Night Stand”) over a music man turning action hero? The film’s lavish look and scale for a Punjabi film also attracted audiences.
4. The youth: Young audiences have especially tuned in to this first-ever Punjabi film shot in Durban and its foot-tapping music.
5. Repeat Value: Interesting plots and hit music always combine to ensure a repeat value to a film, which is nowadays truer of regional cinema than Hindi films, thanks to a more loyal audience.