Director: Advait Chandan
Starring: Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim and Raj Arjun
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated today as Aamir Khan. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Khan has proven to be one of the greatest actors in Bollywood. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, terrorists in danger or professional wrestlers, Khan has suggested he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s strength as an actor is his bravery. Khan has never been afraid to take risks in his career through tackling subjects that prove controversial. Through abilities to play characters which are compelling, Khan has established a legacy which has proven to be compelling. Despite reaching the age of retirement, Khan has never lost his strong passion for producing iconic entertainment. An iconic legend in India, Khan has become a celebrated legend in Bollywood Cinema. Throughout a groundbreaking career, Khan has created several strong movies that are worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore all films that he has made in his career. However, “Secret Superstar” is absolutely his most underrated work. Released in 2017, Advait Chandan’s film offered a strong portrait of teenage superstars. Packed with powerful production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood films made about superstars. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Aamir Khan, who embodies a superstar seeking to discover his identity. Ultimately, what makes “Secret Superstar” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, the film tackles bold themes which everyone will relate to. A breathtaking Bollywood classic about superstars, there are several reasons why “Secret Superstar” is a film that’s worth watching.
“Secret Superstar” tells the story of a teen girl that strives to become a big superstar. Zaira Wasim portrays Insia Malik, a strong teen girl with dreams of becoming a singer that’s iconic. Raised in an abusive family by a demanding father, Insia questions if it’s truly possible for her to become a singer. However, Insia’s life forever changes when she’s taken under the wing of a legendary singer. Shakti Kumar (Aamir Khan) is a big superstar singer with dreams of achieving success. Shakti recognizes a spark in Insia, whom he mentors to become a big singer in India. As all odds become stacked against her favour, Insia wonders whether it’s truly possible to be a singer.
Advait Chandan is a newcomer to stories of superstar singers. Before he made “Secret Superstar”, Chandan had never produced a Bollywood move before. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of singers seeking success in a competitive industry, but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Chandan captures the life of a superstar singer seeking to discover her identity. Evoking Karan Johar’s “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, Chandan expertly uses montages to capture singers seeking to find stardom in a way. For instance, montages enhance the singing audition scene. During this bold scene, Insia delivers an audition showcasing her singing talent for Shakti Kumar. Through stunning montages, Chandan crafts Indian singers that are compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in films. As Farhan Akhtar’s “Dil Chahta Hai” claimed, montage elevates Bollywood films about friendships. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through stunning visuals, Chandan conveys hardships that singers seeking success are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Secret Superstar” that deserves recognition is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will ever watch. Emulating Imtiaz Ali’s “Rockstar”, Chandhan effectively uses live singing to create music sequences that are engaging. For instance, live singing enhances the Main Kaun Hoon musical sequence. During this unforgettable scene, Insia sings a song that she records in a YouTube video. Through bold live-singing, Chandan creates musical sequences which are engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Amit Trivedi’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a strong atmosphere capturing the painful burden singers bear. Using bold production, Chandan captures singers pursuing musical passion.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Secret Superstar” is a Bollywood film that is engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture teen singers which face tension. Throughout the movie, Insia’s monologues showcase her strong music passions. For instance, the dramatic monologues elevate the argument scene. During this memorable scene, Insia has a tense argument with her father by calling out his domestic violence. Through compelling monologues, Chandan creates a portrait of teen singers audiences can relate to. Dramatic monologues aren’t an easy technique to use in most movies. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” demonstrated, monologues elevate classic Bollywood movies about the game of cricket. Through a bold screenplay, Chandan captures singers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Aamir Khan delivers one of his best career performances as Shakti Kumar. Khan first earned appreciations for playing romantic heroes in classic Bollywood movies. With “Secret Superstar”, however, he took upon his most melodious role. It isn’t simple to portray a famous singer in a competitive industry but he succeeded tremendously. This is the star unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most comedic role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, grief and passion of a musician that experiences tension. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Bollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Aamir Khan, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Zaira Wasim is amazing, capturing the charisma of a teenage girl that seeks success in the professions of music in India. Meher Vij is spectacular, bringing compassion towards a mother struggling to raise a daughter that has dreams of being a singer. Lastly, Raj Arjun is unforgettable. As an abusive father, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Secret Superstar” would earn the appreciation of everyone for honouring a superstar. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It tackles strong themes such as abuse, mental health and stardom which resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate it. Therefore, “Secret Superstar” is absolutely one of those rare Bollywood movies which everyone would adore.
Fans of Aamir Khan would absolutely enjoy “Secret Superstar” and so would audiences seeking tense entertainment. A captivating Bollywood drama about singers, it honours an actor in India with charisma.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about a teen girl seeking to become a superstar in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a beloved Indian actor with charisma that has built a strong legacy through his ability to portray compelling characters in memorable films which have never lost ability to attract an audiences to the cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 