‘There are no bad students, only bad teachers..’ – is a telling statement from Rani Mukerji’s thought-provoking comeback film ‘Hichki’ as are many little other gems both in terms of the script and well-etched performances by the young actors and the dignified handling of a difficult subject but above all the effortless way, Rani Mukherji puts her heart and soul into a complex role which inspires, as did her incredible ‘blind’ act in ‘Black’ a decade ago.
While the credits state that its adapted from the English movie ‘Front of the Class’ , it reminded one of the Sidney Poiter classic based on the 70’s best-selling novel ‘To Sir With Love’ with significant similarities. Here Poiter as the teacher, has to deal with delinquent young students considered beyond redemption, with all their problems alongwith racial abuse as he is ‘black’ !
Cinematic license apart (in depicting the modern-day education scenario, student interactions and the teaching methods), what scores for ‘Hichki’ is the indomitable spirit shown by a young teacher, never buckling down despite the general reluctance to accept her capabilities due to her innate speech impairment. There are lessons to be learnt here – from courage and conviction to leadership roles, team-spirit, loyalty, grit, innovative thinking and those precepts that must go into building up this generation of youth !
Lovers of good cinema will laud Rani’s great comeback, coming soon after a happy one from Vidya Balan (in ‘Tumhari Sullu’). While it’s being reported Vidya will essay the role of late PM, Indira Gandhi this year, more women-oriented roles need to be conceived for actors of such caliber. What about a script on the lines of Audrey Hepburn, 60’s nail-biting thriller ‘Wait Until Dark’ or the more recent, edgy & compassionate ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing’ which won actress, Frances McDormand this year’s Oscar ?
Working on Living 