Bey Yaar

Bey Yaar, released in 2014, is a Gujarati film that triumphantly succeeded in redefining Gujarati cinema, crossing regional boundaries and becoming a movie appreciated by global audiences. A dramatic comedy directed by Abhishek Jain and starring popular and talented actors like Darshan Jariwala, Manoj Joshi, and Aarti Patel, Bey Yaar delves into the very essence of true friendship and the choices we make in life.

This film's story revolves around two best friends, Chintan aka Chako (Divyang Thakkar) and Tapan aka Tino (Pratik Gandhi). These two friends, stuck in their monotonous, middle-class lives, dream of becoming wealthy and successful in no time. Naturally, their shared ambitious journey has its laughs and lessons as they navigate through their love for money, true friends, and their prominent Ahmedabad city.

The film is set against the vibrant milieu of Ahmedabad, providing a beautiful backdrop to the story. Set in the city's heart, the film deeply explores the art, culture, and business aspects of Ahmedabad. The parallel storyline involving a precious piece of art connects with the main narrative seamlessly, spotlighting the nuances of the art world with a touch of humor and realism.

While Darshan Jariwala and Manoj Joshi provide the veteran backing to the story, Aarti Patel's character breathes a fresh life into the narrative. They shine in their respective roles, creating relatable, multifaceted individuals. Jariwala plays the role of a father, whose quirky approach to situations and larger-than-life persona adds a unique charm to the movie. Joshi provides moments of laughter and stern advice in equal measures. Aarti Patel, on the other hand, plays the role of a progressive mother with a level-headed and warm persona, touching the audiences deeply.

Directed by Abhishek Jain, one of the contemporary Gujarati cinema's pioneers, Bey Yaar's direction brings out the soul of the story with finesse, taking you through a roller coaster of events filled with laughter, joy, suspense, and even a bit of sentimentality. Under Jain's excellent direction, the film never loses its focus on the essence of a deeply rooted friendship and its trials and tribulations.

As for the screenplay, Niren Bhatt and Bhavesh Mandalia crafted it so effectively that it does a fantastic job of showcasing Gujarati culture subtly without overstating it. The dialogues are catchy, natural, and flavored with the local dialect, tapping into the Gujarati spirit's uniqueness and humor.

The film's cinematography is also commendable as it captures the city’s hustle and bustle and some iconic significant cultural landmarks that add a sense of reality and identity to the plot. And the music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, blends flawlessly into the narrative, enriching the thrilling, rib-tickling, and emotional sequences, all while managing to portray the colors of Gujarat in a melodious way.

In summary, Bey Yaar is a heartwarming venture into the contemporary urban Gujarati setting. It stands out from the traditional Gujarati films and presents a cinematic experience that resonates with the audience beyond the region. With its outstanding performances, refreshing plot, splendid direction, and captivating music, it beautifully personifies the saying, "Bey Yaar, that's life! “- Life happens, but in the end, it is the friends we make and the bond we share with them that matter the most. The film will leave you pondering over the credibility of measuring success and asking yourself, "What truly is more important - wealth, art, or friendship?"