“Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous,” a documentary about the life of the rapper and singer, has been released. Unfortunately, the only thing that’s intriguing about it remains the teaser that was recently released and made big claims that it would be a “reveal story.” (Also read: Honey Singh recalls ‘wish for death’ as ​​he talks about battling mental illness in his documentary)

Directed by Mozez Singh, known for directing the series Human, and produced by Guneet Monga, who is responsible for edgy content, the story of Yo Yo has great potential.

A boy from Delhi with humble beginnings grows into someone who has left a huge mark on the Indian music scene – telling the audience a good underdog story. The documentary begins with footage from his teenage years – and immediately conveys a note of promise.

Nothing new to offer

However, it all feels a little in Singh’s favor. The style of questioning seems straight out of a typical masala film. The biggest controversies Honey has found herself in, including recognition for the profanity-laden song “Ch*t,” are addressed – and immediately brushed aside as Singh says, “I didn’t make it.” He has, too said in countless interviews. So what makes this documentary different?

The same goes for the rumor that actor Shah Rukh Khan allegedly slapped Yo Yo during a concert tour. Yo Yo and his sister simply say “unhone nahi maara tha” – he has said that in the past. As for the bipolar diagnosis he received – he says “aaj tak kisi ko nahi bataya kya hua tha” – except he has been open about it all these years and he deserves kudos for that.

There’s nothing revelatory about “Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous.” You don’t learn anything new or surprising about the person in question. Yes, the appearance of his family makes it more human. Honey breaks down as he remembers being home and unemployed. This is as heartbreaking as the helplessness of the family who at some point had to deal with his deteriorating mental health.

The big failures

Random sequences like a “superfan” who suddenly meets the rapper on the street at night and cries while he sings to her – this feeling of being staged further reduces credibility. When asked about his contentious divorce from Shalini some time ago, Singh simply says, “We have signed an MoU, so I can’t talk about it.” I then wonder what the point of this documentary is, apart from it is merely a compilation of things the singer has already revealed in the past.

For example, there is nothing about Mafia Mundeer except a passing mention when talking about a controversial song.

Overall, “Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous” could have been so much more. But it is reduced to an attempt at whitewashing, similar to Sanju, which only aims to glorify the subject and not provide an objective view.