Babbar song ‘Kikli’: Guns and violence upend this traditional number

Amrit Maan’s Punjabi film Babbar is set to be released in theatres on 18 March. The first single from the film, ‘Kikli’, has been released. The song has been written, composed and sung by Maan himself. The music has been provided by Desi Crew while the mixing and mastering has been done by Dense.

Amrit Maan announces the release date of upcoming film, Babbar

The song is a version of a famous Punjabi folk number, ‘Kikli Kaleer Di’, which is sung by little girls while playing. Maan’s version turns the traditional song on its head.

The video begins with a character being shot and features several people brandishing guns and other weapons. There is a scene where a young woman is being harassed by a man and taken away against her will. In a disturbing moment, young children also seem to be resorting to violence.

Maan is seen beating up people in several scenes. There are different factions which seem to be along the lines of rival gangs fighting one another. With hip-hop beats, the lyrics of the song are also about wielding weapons, displaying ammunition and possessing a certain machismo in fighting.

Written and directed by Amar Hundal, the action feature seems to be the latest in a series of Punjabi action films that glamorize violence and the use of force, making them synonymous with toughness.