Film: Secret Superstar
Directed by: Advait Chandan
Starring: Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, Aamir Khan, Raj Arjun and Kabir Shaikh
What it's about:
Secret Superstar is about a teen girl Insiya (Zaira Wasim) from a conservative Muslim family, who has two dreams -- One of becoming a famous singer, and the other to see her mother divorce her violent husband. Secret Superstar is about self-discovery, growing up, falling in love and a mother-daughter bond.
Insiya wants to become a singer but knowing that the father would never allow that, she puts up her singing videos (wearing a burkha) on YouTube. She becomes a digital sensation. Composer Shakti Kumaarr (Aamir Khan) records with her. Then her father drops a bomb. Her mother Najma (Meher Vij) who has always supported her, this time, urges her to forget her dreams and do as her father wishes. Insiya resigns herself to the situation. All signs point to her life replicating her mother's life. Until the impossible happens.
What's good:
First time director Advait Chandan makes a moving emotional drama that tackles everything from unrest in the family, to teenage angst. You will find a 100 percent emotional engagement with the film and the characters. Brilliant performances - Zaira and Meher will have you questioning if they aren't real-life mother-daughter. Raj Arjun as the husband-father from hell is effectively menacing.
In the first half of the film, the fun element is missing, but Aamir Khan brings dollops of that in the second half. After playing a serious rural father, Aamir regales us with an outlandish character that is, in a way, a throwback to Rangeela's Munna. Shakti Kumaarr is a lout but you can't help but love him. He will make you smile, shake your head, pull your hair and finally hug it out.
Some of the film's sweetest moments have nothing to do with the mother-daughter or even Shakti. The scene where the little brother makes a gift for his sister, and the one where her grandma tells Insiya her mother's little secret will have you reaching for your tissues. SS makes you smile, laugh, rage, cry and feel good at the end.
What's not:
The film is almost entirely without any flaws. The only fault with it is that it starts slow. Advait tells the story so well, you buy into it without questioning how it is all so easy. From her first recording to the support of Shakti Kumaarr, then the divorce lawyer. It's all fairytale-like. Also, all the characters are unbelievably nice, except for the father. But none of this strikes as odd while watching the film.
What to do:
Simple, sentimental and inspiring. Go watch the film with your mom.
Rating: ***1/2 (3.5 Stars)
