Hichki Review: Rani Mukerji hits the bullseye with her comeback film

Cast: Rani Mukerji, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Neeraj Kabi

Director: Siddharth P. Malhotra

Rating: 3/5

Rani Mukerji has strike back skilfully into Bollywood with her act in Hichki but with a tedious narrative and not to forget the expected twist and turns, this film becomes tedious in its second half. By displaying a meaningful message and a powerful performance by Rani, Hichki is a straight-forward film that urges us to not bow down to the Hichki's (obstacles) that we face in our respective lives instead be courageous to overcome them.

The story commences at the time where Naina Mathur (Rani) walks in for an interview with the trustees of a school for the job of a teacher. While to the trustees' everything looks impressive about Naina until she starts getting hiccups due to Tourette Syndrome. It's then when she reveals that she has Tourette syndrome and goings on to explain about her Hichki. Skeptical about Naina's unfit behavior, the trustees believe she is not fit for the job irrespective of her qualification.

Back home, Naina's mother (Supriya Pilgaonkar) and her brother are her two pillars of strength. Naina finally sees her dream of being a teacher coming true after she receives a call from St. Notkers where she eventually lands the job. What lies in store for her is a tactful teaching experience with a rebellious, disinterested class of 9F a division that is dedicated solely to socially backward students which they achieve on the grounds of Right to Education. Later, she takes upon her the task of showing to the world the true worth of the students of 9F.

'Turn your weakness into your strength', is a thought on which Hichki throws its spotlight on. Director Siddharth P. Malhotra has done a commendable job which will surely make you nostalgic of your own school days. Apart from the film following a predictable path, the writers Siddharth P. Malhotra and Ankur Chaudhry has done a fair job with the dialogues. 'There are no bad students but bad teachers' is one dialogue that is for keeps.

Rani Mukerji as Naina Mathur is a strong-willed and determined person who portrays the ideal teacher figure if to go by the student's perspective. Her out of the classroom, unconventional teaching ideas are refreshing and clap-worthy in the film. Hichki holds on to its emotional chord brilliantly throughout the film while peeling off detailed nuances of every character.

Final Verdict:

Rani manages to convince you to overcome the Hichki's that stop you in life by her sheer performance. A light-hearted film with a refreshing concept makes for a one-time watch. Go for it if you do not want to give Rani's powerful comeback in Bollywood a miss.