Secret Superstar - A winner all the way



Secret Superstar is one of the better films of 2017 because of its solid content, intriguing storytelling and top performances. What makes it particularly watchable is that a simple premise of a girl wanting to become a singer is woven around several issues plaguing our society. However, these points are so blatant and yet so understated that they are bound to move the viewers while ensuring they contemplate on the reality surrounding us.

Zaira Wasim, a schoolgirl in Vadodara, is blessed with a beautiful voice that is suppressed by her authoritarian and dominating father (Raj Arun). It is her mother, fantastically essayed by Meher Vij, who gives wings to her dreams and supports her in every way that she can, even if that means risking being beaten black and blue by her husband. With a guitar and laptop, both gifted by her mother, Zaira decides to put her talent up for show on the internet. The fear of her father, however, looms large and so, she decides to hide her identity behind a veil. To her utter surprise, she receives instant gratification, praise and a playback singing offer from a notorious music director (Aamir Khan in a never-seen-before kind of a jazzy role).

For Zaira, this is the opportunity to free her family from the cage they find themselves in. With Aamir’s help, she tries to mend things at home, but her mother warns her of the boundaries they cannot cross in the orthodox Muslim household they reside in. The scenes between the mother and daughter are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is an emotional journey that is depicted with rare sensitivity. The film is a tribute to every mother/woman who sacrifices her own happiness for her loved ones and faces abuse on a regular basis.

Secret Superstar not only makes a statement on how women are harassed but also on why a girl child is still a liability for some. What is likeable is the setting that the director has created to narrate these notions. Some of the scenes have a hidden meaning without speaking it aloud. The bond between Zaira and her younger brother as well as her and her school friend (Tirth Sharma) is endearing to watch.

Despite so much going for Secret Superstar, it falters at many places. Some of the scenes go on for too long without reason, resulting in a film that could have been crisper and shorter by 20 minutes. The rise of Zaira as an internet sensation immediately after she uploads her first song is a bit hard to fathom. It’s too sudden and even the prompt response from Aamir is not quite believable. Zaira flying to Mumbai to record a song without the knowledge of her family is far-fetched as well. In the scenes in which she records her songs to be uploaded on YouTube, especially her second song, she looks unconvincing while playing the guitar. The second half is a bit too dramatic and Bollywood-ised for the sake of entertainment. And a film which revolves around music could have done with better tracks instead of just one or two which are melodious.

In totality, however, Secret Superstar is a winner driven by flawless performances by everyone. The casting, especially, deserves credit. Vij is outstanding and shows a range of emotions with conviction. Arun is scary and gives you the chills with his menacing behaviour. Sharma and the younger brother are adorable. Zaira Wasim is superb and displays the maturity of a seasoned performer as she experiences unprecedented highs and lows in her teenage years. She’s easily one of the most promising new actors on the scene. Aamir Khan deserves a special mention not only for his fantastic act which will have you in splits but also for his genius brain and for backing such a film. It is his presence that is drawing people to the theatres and compelling them to stop even when they are leaving it at the end of the film. If not for anything, he must be lauded for attempting different kinds of cinema and throwing his weight behind some unusual but brave films. Debutant director Advait Chandan is well in control in his first film.

Secret Superstar is worth your money. It takes you on a poignant ride, keeps you engaged and stirs both your emotions and conscience. It is definitely a film not to miss. 

 - Kunal Purandare 

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