Movie Review: "Hichki"

I had an extended weekend this week, thanks to Good Friday, which alongwith Saturday and Sunday make a three-days weekend. With nothing notable to keep me occupied, I decided to watch a movie. Yes, I am a cinephile (and a bibliophile too) and nothing entertains me more than a good movie (and a good book, of course). Having read some great reviews about Hichki in newspaper and in internet, I booked movie ticket for the same. I won't regret my decision. I can vouch for that.

Naina Mathur (Rani Mukherjee's character) is suffering from a neurological disorder called 'tourette syndrome' due to which she gets frequent hiccups which she can't control. Naina is passionate about being a teacher. After many rejections, she finally lands with a teaching job in a reputed school. But the school authority assigns her to be the class-teacher of a notorious class, whose students are known for their below-average scores in exam and their mischiefs. How Naina transforms the class is the theme of the movie.

What I like most about the movie is it's portrayal of a strong female protagonist. Here is a woman who doesn't romance with a handsome hero or sing peppy romantic numbers. She is a woman with a passion for something other than love. She takes her disability in her stride and works to the best of her abilities to achieve what she aspires for.

We all have our favourite teachers in school and college who inspired us. This movie is a tribute to the teaching fraternity. And as Naina says that we remember our teachers, not their salaries despite teaching being a low-paid job. It goes on to portray the dedication of a teacher determined to teach her students, even when the situation is adverse. It depicts those students who are from the disadvantaged strata of society. Though the end was quite predictable, but how Naina made it is worth watching. As she says that the difference between 'why' and 'why not' is just a hichki.

Rani Mukherjee's performance is impeccable as usual. I'd like to say that it's a movie not just for teachers, but for all those who are passionate towards anything in life. It's all about the victory of grit and determination against all odds.