Secret Superstar (2017) [Movie Review]
Dir: Advait
Chandan
Starring: Zaira
Wasim, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun and Aamir Khan
Dur: 2 hrs 30
mins
Genre: Drama
Rating: 8/10
If you haven’t seen this film yet, you have missed out on
one of the best things to have come out of Bollywood in the last year. It’s not
too late however, to watch this incredible story of youth.
Youth is a time of big dreams and little means. Our heroine
Insu, played brilliantly by Zaira Wasim is smitten with dreams to make it big
in the world of music. Despite her small beginnings and unstable family
environment, she harbours her dreams. Before I go any further allow me to let
you know that the film is dedicated to ‘mothers and motherhood’ and that is
bound to give you some idea about how things develop. Needless to say, Insu’s
biggest support is her mother while her father is her biggest obstacle. Through
some sly family dealings (reminiscent of Rebekah, Jacob and Esau of the Old
Testament) Insu gets her shot at fame but her success is short-lived.
The film has a wonderful atmosphere of tension, suspense and
tear-jerking moments. The script is well-written and brought to life by the
dynamic acting of the lead cast. Zaira deserves the praise she has received for
her acting. She has also won multiple awards for the same. Aamir, plays an
interesting character though unimportant character but still manages to steal
the show. The onscreen chemistry between the lead actors is a delight and
contributes in no small way to the overall success of the film.
The film tugs at heartstrings. There were moments I
empathized with some of the characters and that helped bring the emotional
content of the scene to life. The ending is beautiful although a tad
predictable, definitely another teary moment. What’s interesting is the issues
the film puts its hands into. It’s not just a story of having big dreams and
fulfilling them; it focuses more on the process one must go through to make one’s
dreams a reality particularly in an unfavourable situation. It waxes eloquently
on the importance of healthy family life and on the average Indian mindset. It
has strong feminist leanings and that makes it all the more endearing. It’s not
for nothing that it has become one of the highest grossing films of all time,
and that with a female as the lead. It is definitely a film that we, Indians
should be proud of. It challenges us very strongly to change the way we view
and nurture women. It is every bit entertaining as it is inspiring. But don’t
for a moment think it’s just a film about teens and for teens. It’s about teens
but it’s more for those who are charged with guiding and raising them.
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