Secret Superstar: A good Diwali gift from Aamir

Casting: Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij

Rated: 7/10

It is, indeed, a secret superstar. The film got bare minimum publicity, that too despite it being produced by the master of film marketing Aamir Khan, that too despite it being Khan’s big Diwali release, that too despite it fighting for a place with the perceived blockbuster Golmaal Returns.

That it stops you in its track is the hallmark of it being a good, meaty, meaningful & moving film. Centred around the dreams and aspirations of a small-town Muslim girl from Vadodara, who silently battles domestic violence on her doting but illiterate mother (well played Meher Vij!), you would think it to be a tad ill-timed for Diwali. But Advait Chandan’s undertoned drama is a captivating and humble film which takes your heart with its simple realism.

The bone-marrow of the film is Zaira Wasim and her arresting role-play as the secret superstar. She was great in Dangal but is excellent here too. Not a shred of make-up, the apt body movements of an amateur singer, and the immersive emotionalism she brings to the screen shows her up as a brilliant actor. Aamir, who plays a raunchy music director with blingy tees and crotch-hugging jeans, not to mention, serenades debauchery as never before (but with a heart of gold) gives moments to the movie. A must watch even if the second half slows down a bit.

Source: Sunday Pioneer, 22 October, 2017