Hichki

Hichki, a 2018 Indian Hindi-language drama film, showcases two major characters battling their personal shortcomings to overcome the societal norms. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Maneesh Sharma, Hichki is a heartfelt journey that paints a vivid picture of the struggle for acceptance, the desire for empowerment, and the victory of the human spirit.

The movie introduces us to Naina Mathur, played brilliantly by Rani Mukerji, based on the book, 'Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had' written by Brad Cohen. Naina is a passionate and persistent young woman who has always dreamt of becoming a teacher. However, she is faced with a significant hurdle, a nervous system disorder known as Tourette Syndrome, which is primarily characterized by frequent, uncontrolled vocalizations and tics. This unusual condition becomes a reason she faces one rejection after another for the job she dearly seeks. However, Naina refuses to let this disorder deter her dreams.

Rani Mukerji breathes exceptional vigor into the character of Naina and makes it believable and endearing. Her inspired portrayal of a teacher who meets her impediment with dauntless spirit and high resolve whilst loving and guiding a troubled class of students is heart touching.

Naina eventually gets an opportunity to teach at St. Notker's, a prestigious school she herself attended as a student. However, she is assigned the responsibility of handling 14 unruly, underprivileged children who have been reluctantly admitted due to a reservation clause in their school. These students are considered outcasts, notorious, given the batch name '9F', and are isolated in a cluttered, unmanaged room.

The students, led by Aatish (Rohit Saraf) and featuring Jannat Zubair Rahmani as Natasha, are ragtag underachievers who have been left to their wayward ways due to their socio-economic stature, the lack of attention, and the constant discrimination they face. However, beneath their rough exterior, they carry a spark waiting to be ignited. Naina strives to reach out to them, connect, and help them realize their full potential.

However, these students, hardened by their life experiences, resist her efforts. They mock her condition and challenge her capability to teach them. Naina, in the face of all the mockery, prejudice, and rejection, finds herself rather in a similar situation as her students. The movie beautifully unravels how they both find an unusual yet moving connection with each other, how Naina uses her own condition to empathize, motivate, and inspire them, and how these students warmed up to her, breaking their protective shell in front of a teacher who treated them no less than any privileged students.

Hichki is not just a fight against the self; it is a battle against societal bias and prejudices. It propagates the idea of how everyone, regardless of their flaws and backgrounds, deserves a fair chance of learning and living their dreams. Hichki also underscores the need for a modern and inclusive educational system; empathy, understanding, and the ability to accept and embrace diversity are key takeaways.

The touch of humor threaded through the movie lightens the narrative of the struggle and gives it an engaging touch. The film's cinematography is adequate, while the background score and music seem well-integrated into the storyline, enhancing the movie's poignant moments.

With brilliant performances by the main and ensemble cast members, the film is a solid production in terms of acting caliber. Rani Mukerji is a powerhouse as Naina, delivering one of her career-best performances with such a character that was both challenging and inspiring.

Hichki stands out as a must-watch film that successfully uses the concepts of acceptance, inclusivity, and understanding to teach valuable life lessons. The movie encourages us to find the strength within our weaknesses, making it not just a compelling watch but also an inspirational life lesson.