When Divya Kumar Khosla’s Yaariyan hit theaters in 2014, it was marketed as the quintessential “college party movie.” With its scenic Manali backdrop, a cast of newcomers, and a soundtrack that dominated the charts, it was an instant hit with the young crowd.
Published by: The Weekend Watchlist Reading Time: 4 minutes movie yaariyan
It’s a familiar formula (think Student of the Year meets Friends ), but the film uses that structure to explore friendship, first love, and family trauma. 1. The Soundtrack is Still a Banger Let’s be honest—you probably know this movie for its music. "Sunny Sunny" and "ABCDY" are still gym and wedding reception staples. But don’t sleep on the soulful tracks. Meri Maa (the song about the mother) remains genuinely moving. If you need a good cry or a nostalgia boost, just stream the album. 2. The Cinematography is a Travel Guide If you have wanderlust for the mountains, this movie is essentially a 2-hour travel brochure for Himachal Pradesh. The shots of Rohtang Pass and the valleys are stunning. Helpful Tip: Watch Yaariyan on a rainy day when you need to escape to a sunny, snowy landscape without leaving your couch. 3. Realistic Friendship Fights (Sort of) While the dialogue is dramatic, the core conflicts are relatable: jealousy over a crush, ego clashes in a group project, and the fear of being left behind after graduation. It’s a good reminder that winning a competition isn't as important as showing up for your people. What to Skip / Watch With Caution The Cringe Factor: The humor has aged poorly in some scenes. The "comic relief" characters rely heavily on stereotyping. Helpful advice: Keep the fast-forward button handy during the second half if the slapstick isn't your style. When Divya Kumar Khosla’s Yaariyan hit theaters in
But a decade later, is Yaariyan just a time capsule of early 2010s fashion, or does it have something deeper to offer? Whether you are watching it for the first time or rewatching for nostalgia, here is your helpful guide to what works, what doesn’t, and the life lessons hidden between the dance numbers. The story follows a group of college friends facing the threat of their beloved campus being taken over by a greedy builder. The protagonist, Saloni (Himansh Kohli), is your classic "lazy but good-hearted" guy who must unite his feuding friends to win an inter-college championship to save their land. The Soundtrack is Still a Banger Let’s be
You hate loud music, don't like predictable plots, or are triggered by dated stereotypes. Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Good for a nostalgic laugh and a dance party. Bonus Recommendation: If you like the "group of friends saving a building" trope, watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for maturity or Dil Chahta Hai for the classic. But for a light, messy, colorful youth drama? Yaariyan still fits the bill.