Starring: Aamir khan, Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun, Manuj Sharma, Vaishali Sehda, Farrukh jaffar Director: Advait Chandan

IN 2016, Indian director Aamir Khan came out with a wholesome cinematic treat in the form of “Dangal.” Just as when audiences thought that Mr. Perfectionist couldn’t get better with his films, he surprisingly proved people wrong. Khan went up several notches higher in “Secret Superstar.”

A young girl, Insiya, is brought up in a conservative Muslim household of Gujarat. Not that she’s unaware of her household condition, but she has always dreamt about becoming a successful singer, just like Monali Thakur (The singer played a cameo in the film). Her dreams are backed by her mother, who herself being uneducated discerns the value of her dreams. Insiya’s father on the other hand is a quintessential orthodox man who values his son more than his daughter. He detests the idea of her daughter becoming a superstar. Will she ever be able to turn her dreams into reality or will her dreams die a slow death just like every oppressed woman’s do?

“Secret Superstar” is faintly inspired by 2015 Indie-American film “Rock the Kasbah.” In the film a nearly-washed off music composer’s life changes when he comes across a young singer, Salima Khan, who aspires to win a singing reality show. The backdrop is almost similar in which Khan, tries to regain momentum in his music career by launching young Insiya into the industry.

Despite being inspired by an already-made film, Khan’s “Secret Superstar” is not one among the run-of-the-mill affairs. It has been smartly improvised, saving it the fate every Hindi remake typically meets. The film has been narrated in a simplistic yet heartfelt manner. While watching the film, the scenes and background are as ordinary as a commoner’s can be, which adds to its details.

Every Indian household nests an individual with a myriad of dreams in their heart. But Insiya’s story has been recited in a manner so sublime that right from the beginning of the film, the audience starts seeing the world through her eyes. Just like any other girl who has seen a lot of domestic violence in her family, she tries to revolt and find a way out for her and her mother. Just like anyone would, she doesn’t comprehend why her mother doesn’t dissolve a marriage that has only brought her pain. This reflects a scenario, that unfortunately lurks in every Indian household.

Another noteworthy detail of “Secret Superstar” is the depiction of the emotional bond shared between Insiya and her mother, Najma. Despite the hardships and murk, they find solace in each other’s happiness. The portrayal of this relationship in such a sober format is not an everyday affair in Bollywood.

Director Advait Chandan’s script has all the element that a film requires to captivate the audience. Insiya and Chinta’s puppy love is a better love story than most of Bollywood’s romantic dramas.

Expressing a gamut of emotions, Zaira Wasim excels her young Geeta Phogat character from “Dangal.” She’s brilliant when she sulks into hopelessness or when she reprimands her mother for being passive. Khan, though appears a lesser than Zaira in the film, is laudable, no matter how small his role was. Meher Vij as Najma has entered the skin of a troubled housewife flawlessly.

The film is well-balanced and perfectly mounted. It has all the element that a total entertainer requires, muddles of life, dreams, love and sacrifice. (SD-Agencies)