Review of "Secret Superstar" Date: 27-Oct-2017

Watched this movie last Friday with my wife. Another excellent movie from Aamir Khan. I am a great fan of his work and I look forward to release of his movies. Aamir usually releases only one movie a year and this movie was released in less than a year primarily because the release of his last movie Dangal was delayed because some people in power didn't like an innocuous (seemingly critical?) comment he made.

Secret Superstar is another excellent movie made by Aamir. Thing about Aamir's movie is that they are highly entertaining but they also force you to think about something that people have stopped thinking about. They are not like candy like most other Hindi movies but they are a scrumptious hearty meals with layers and flavors. This movie was about several themes with domestic violence and equality of opportunities for boys' vs girls being on top. Aamir also questioned the need to put all kids into same mold in this movie and touched upon the need to pursue dreams and passion. Child marriage and female infanticide was also questioned.

The best thing about the movie was its casting. Zaira Wasim plays the role of a 15 year Insia with aplomb. She has the right combination of innocence and awkwardness of a teen who has dreams that she wishes to pursue but often finds herself frustrated by rules that are made for her by society. Meher Vij plays the mother of Zaira and she looks like her mother every bit. They both have this on-screen chemistry which convinces you that they are willing to do anything for each other. No sacrifice is too small and no joy is too large to share. Aamir takes a back seat in his own production and confines himself to a comic role but delivers nonetheless. He is very entertaining, loud but also human in his role as music director Shakti Kumarr. Surprise delivery came from Tirth Sharma as Chintan Patel. He is classmate of Insia and loves her. He looks awkward as most 10th graders in India do but he knows the world. He is an optimist and you root for him along with Insia. A few words for Raj Arjun who plays the father of Insia. His performance is also great as he does some really horrible things but does portray them as taking care of his family and doing the right thing.

Music was great though I don't think it is going to do very well. I did see the attention to detail in the movie. Watch the chemistry questions written on the blackboard when Insia is taking an exam at the tutor's home. They are all valid 10th grade chemistry questions and they are tough! I know because I taught my daughter chemistry last year.

One thing Aamir's movie does is to force you to think about it. I came back thinking how Indian society (both Hindu and Muslim) tend to marry their daughters before they are self-sufficient and tend to put most of their resources on their sons. It then creates a vicious cycle where a girl is always dependent and vulnerable. She is not allowed to make any big/small purchase herself and doesn't own anything. There is no room for her growth and she is expected to follow the instruction of her father and then her husband. Furthermore, we have created a society where it is not safe for a single woman to live alone. I do see welcome changes around me however, we do have a long way to go.

This movie at the heart is a fairy tale. A talented girl does find her due and place in the world. I am not sure if in real life all struggles have such happy endings.