Secret Superstar is an Inspiring Tale That Everyone Should Witness

By Avik Basak




Have you ever felt after watching a movie that the film was needed to be made? Well, debutant director Advait Chandan’s Secret Superstar is one of those films. It not only tells us about how we can always find ways to realise the dreams of our lives but also captures the beautiful relationship that the protagonist shares with her mother. Brought to us by the Aamir Khan Productions, this flick reminded me of Taare Zameen Par, which was also about a child’s struggle against the world he belongs in.


The story is about a teenage girl named, Insia who wants to become a famous singer but is unable to do so, due to her abusive father who beats up her mother at every chance he gets and prevents Insia from doing anything other than her studies. With the support of her mother, Insia soon finds a way to upload her singing videos on YouTube, wearing a burkha and using the alias, “Secret Superstar” and rises to fame, following which she gains help from a ‘controversial’ music director, Shakti Kumar, played by Aamir Khan.




Every player is earnest in their parts here, especially Meher Vij as Insia’s loving mother and Raj Arun as her abusive father. Zaira Wasim once again does well and carries on her good form from last year’s Dangal but it is the ‘perfectionist’ of Bollywood, Aamir Khan, who takes a completely different avatar here as the colourful and ‘badtameez’ Shakti Kumar to steal the show in his limited screen time.


Amit Trivedi’s music is soulful and is well complemented by Kausar Munir’s lyrics and Meghna Mishra’s voice. While writer-director Advait Chandan does well to string an uplifting tale like this, the movie felt a little over-dramatic at times which could have been avoided. The film is also a little overlong at a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and slows down at times.


Overall, Secret Superstar is an inspiring movie that everyone should watch and if you are looking forward to seeing something special from the perfectionist, do not worry, you will not leave the theatre disappointed.



3.5 Stars Out of 5 From Me...

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