Film: Hichki (social drama)
Critic's Rating: 3.5/5
Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
Director: Siddharth P Malhotra
Cast: Rani Mukerji, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Neeraj Kabi, Shiv Subrahmanyam
Story:
Naina (Rani Mukerji) is afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, a nervous system disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds. Undeterred, she dreams of becoming a teacher. After being rejected 18 times she finally is offered a teacher's post in St Notkers school which had turned her away five times before!
Naina's class has only 14 students and they come from lesser privileged backgrounds. The school has admitted them only because of the Right to Education, law. How Naina takes control, teaches and transforms the unruly students who are hell bent on driving her away, is what the film is all about.
Review:
The film opens with Naina waiting for a job interview as a teacher and while she waits, she makes strange sounds. Though the panel of interviewees is impressed by her educational qualifications they are uncomfortable with her affliction and feel she should look for a job in another profession. Naina spiritedly explains to them about her disorder, which they hadn't heard of, and justifies that if she can teach them something new she can definitely tutor children.
Not just outsiders even her estranged father (Sachin) feels uneasy about her condition. A couple of flashbacks show him getting embarrassed at public places when little Naina makes 'wah wah' and 'chak chak' sounds.
But thanks to her mother's (Supriya) staunch support and love, Naina not only comes to terms with a syndrome that can't be fixed but learns to live happily despite it. So much so that she has no qualms making fun of herself!
So when her students laugh at her she laughs with them. When they make a rap song on her condition she sings along and slowly and gradually wins them over. But as in every story there has to be conflict and here it's in the form of her colleague Mr. Wadia who prides on his class 9A, which comprises toppers, and constantly pits them against Naina's class i.e 9F. He undermines and challenges her every step of the way, and his aim is to throw her students out of the school. Some of the students are with him and there is a constant tussle between the two classes.
The story has heart, humour, emotion and drama that pulls you along. You feel for Naina, and empathise with her. Even the students, be it Khilim who works as a mechanic, Aatish who works in a cycle shop or the girls who help their mother with daily domestic chores even as they are studying.
Rani is outstanding in the film. The scene where she breaks down when she feels betrayed by her students is heart-rending. She has brought out the anguish and helplessness brilliantly. Even the little girl who plays Naina is very good. And so are the actors who have played the students.
Siddharth who had gone wrong with his debut directorial, We Are Family, the remake of Stepmom, redeems himself with Hichki which is also an adaptation (Front Of The Class)
Verdict:
It's an inspiring slice-of-life film which has to be watched for the simple sensitive manner in which it is told. It will also take you back to your school days. And of course for Rani who makes a powerful comeback.
P.S. Please carry a packet of tissues.
