Indian producer Aamir Khan’s latest movie, Secret Superstar, brings a fresh touch to the Bollywood film industry.

Aamir has made a name for himself with his approach to various social issues in his movies. Aside from producing movies, he also hosts a well-known talk show, Satyamev Jayate, which discusses public problems.

Secret Superstar is the story of a teenager called Insia Malik, who dreams of becoming a famous singer.

Her mother, Najma Malik (Meher Vij), supports her passion for singing but lives in fear because of her abusive husband Farookh Malik’s (Raj Arjun) horrific conservatism.

Farookh insists that Insia focus on her school education, so that she can marry a man he chooses.

The movie begins with Najma buying a laptop for Insia, a gadget that causes a big change in their lives after it reaches the hands of her daughter.

Insia showcases her singing talent online, covering herself with a burka to disguise herself from her father. She becomes an instant superstar without the knowledge of her father. In the process, mother and daughter bond more closely because of their collective objective.

Written and directed by Advait Chandan, the movie touches on numerous social problems still very much alive in villages of India.

Physical violence, forced marriage and abortion of baby girls are some of those issues.

The first half of the movie may be on the slow side, as Advait introduces his characters and their problems, but he makes it up in the second half, culminating in a unique ending.

He also succeeds in opening layers of issues subtly, as in how Insia realizes the many sacrifices her mother has made for her.

He does not point it out all at once, so the viewers have something to look forward to after the intermission. This is Advait’s debut film, but he has already showcased his talent by keeping the audience engaged in the story.

While some of the cast are not well known, Aamir’s presence as a blunt singing contest judge is appealing and entertaining.

Aamir’s character is the highlight of the movie, which not only helps Insia realize her dream, but also helps her resolve the domestic issues at home.

Newcomer Zaira Wasim plays her role as a 15-year-old emotional teenager up to the mark of an accomplished actress.

She portrays a sense of maturity — which was highly required by her character — and shows off her natural temper.

Meher Vij, who grew to fame in the movie Bajarangi Bhajaan playing the role of a Pakistani mother who lost her deaf daughter, hypnotizes the audience with her performance as a naïve, succumbing wife and mother.

She manages to balance her character as a weak-natured woman who turns stronger in the latter part of the movie.

More amazing is Raj Arun, who maintains the same cruel face throughout the movie. His character serves as a convincing villain who hates his wife and finds an excuse every now and then to beat her up.

Secret Superstar is not your usual Bollywood movie with awesome picturesque scenery and Bollywood musical grandeur, but the social messages are enough to fill your eyes with tears.

Bring a handkerchief to the movie theater.

— Photos courtesy of Aamir Khan Productions.

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Secret Superstar

Directed by Advait Chandan

Written by Advait Chandan

Screenplay by Advait Chandan

Starring: Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun and Aamir Khan

Running time: 150 minutes

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