Arjan Vailly, a name steeped in Punjabi folklore, has recently gained prominence with the release of the song “Arjan Vailly” from the movie Animal.

Arjan Vailly, a name steeped in Punjabi folklore, has recently gained prominence with the release of the song “Arjan Vailly” from the movie Animal. This captivating track, sung by folk singer Bhupinder Babbal, has taken the internet by storm. Let’s delve into the intriguing story behind this song and the historical character it portrays.

The Song “Arjan Vailly”:

• The song “Arjan Vailly” is featured in the movie Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
• Within just 3 days of its release, the song skyrocketed to No. 3 on YouTube India, amassing over 11 million views. It also topped the charts on Spotify and became popular on Instagram Reels.

• The song is styled in the Dhadi Vaar genre, reminiscent of the times of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Dhadi Vaar music was sung during battles against the Mughals in the 18th century.
• The lyrics provide a glimpse into the life of Arjan Vailly, portrayed as a vailly (a thuggish, violent individual) wielding an axe (gandassi) and fearlessly hacking through enemies.

Who Was Arjan Vailly?:

• According to Sikh legends, Arjan Singh Nalva (also known as Arjan ‘Vailly’) hailed from the Malwa region in southern Punjab (between the Ghagghar and Sutlej rivers).
• Arjan Vailly was from the village of Kaunke near Jagroan (near present-day Ludhiana, Punjab).
• He held a jagir (taxation right on a piece of land) during the Sikh Empire and was the youngest son of Hari Singh Nalva, the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj.
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• Hari Singh Nalva, nicknamed Baghmaari, displayed ruthless bravery and expanded the Sikh Empire’s frontiers beyond the Indus River, up to the Khyber Pass (present-day Afghanistan).
• Arjan Vailly, under the care of Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh (the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh), fought for Sikh sovereignty against British expansionism.
• In October 1848, as the second Anglo-Sikh war loomed, Arjan aligned himself with the Sikh army against the British. He sought refuge in his fortified house in Gujranwala, where a contingent of troops surrounded him. Remarkably, Arjan Singh managed to escape.

Metaphor for Ranbir’s Character:

• The song “Arjan Vailly” serves as a metaphor for Ranbir Kapoor’s character in the movie Animal.
• Through this powerful track, the film draws inspiration from Arjan Vailly’s valorous spirit and his unwavering fight for sovereignty.

Bhupinder Babbal, with his soulful rendition, has breathed life into this historical narrative, making “Arjan Vailly” a memorable addition to Punjabi music and cinema12.