Hichki mainstreams and normalises a condition — a mechanical locha, so to speak — in a way I haven’t seen done often.

Hichki is a genuinely earnest film made with heart. But it doesn’t take enough risks and consequently doesn’t touch a raw nerve in the way that Taare Zameen Par did. But it’s always nice to see a talented actress with all guns blazing.

Hichki is a well-made film that despite its shortcomings has enough to keep the viewers of different age groups engaged. The movie’s plot is clichéd and certain plot developments towards the end make it less convincing. Here is a film that is a must watch if you are a teacher, parent, or a student. And, so, if you do choose to watch it then you better be prepared to shed a few tears.

In a nutshell, here comes a ‘feel-good’ film with a remarkable performance by Rani Mukerji. She gives you enough reasons to embrace this ‘hichki’ with a smile. There’s a dialogue in the film which goes like, ‘School ke bahar zindagi jab imtihaan leti hai tab subject wise nahi leti’. Hichki, as a whole passes this exam with flying colors!

HICHKI is a simple, meaningful and an inspiring film that stays with you. Rani Mukerji is back in full form and her fans will be immensely impressed. At the box office, the film will mainly appeal to the younger audiences.

All said and done, Hichki has Rani Mukerji delivering one of the best performances of her career. Watch it for her and the sweet little message makers are trying to give with this one.

At times Hichki feels too righteous. Loaded with messages from equality, right to education, tolerance to a gratuitous walk through a Mumbai slum with the camera gingerly peeking into the difficult lives of class 9F. Fortunately the story is strongly underlined by the instances of the resourcefulness of the students and the idea that education should not be a one-size-fits-all concept.

Drafting an inspiring story about a teacher who manages to tame even those on the verge of delinquency will naturally tug on a certain emotion. Just that the number of films that have blindly lifted this formula renders this one to be almost formatted if not clichéd.

Rani Mukherji’s strong portrayal of a Tourette Syndrome sufferer emerges skin deep in a film that never goes beyond the obvious

Rani Mukerji’s energetic, engaging performance apart, Hichki is a huff-and-puff show marked by too much mush and fuss. But it has just enough to keep tearjerker junkies interested.

With ace production values, the film is well-made. The only sore point is the loud background score that kills the subtlety of the subject.
Overall, Hichki remains in your mental space long after you leave the theatre.

The actors playing the students are wonderful, turning even the rank sentimentality of the later scenes into something watchable. Had the film been less interested in the un-illuminating struggle between Naina and her critical father, we might have been able to get to know the 14 better. But this is ultimately a film about Naina—her students, her solutions, her journey, her hichkis.

Sure, we could do with a fine, desi version of Dead Poets Society (1989). This film’s intentions—even if multiple, and therefore all mixed up—are laudable, no doubt. But, naah, doesn’t quite cut it, you know. Or at least doesn’t seem like worth cutting classes for, anyway.

Some scenes may invite the eye roll for their mawkish quotient but even in them you can’t take your eyes off Rani Mukerji. In her first film post motherhood, Mukerji reminds why she is one of the naturals in business of pretence. Rarely does Mukerji hit a false note as the driven and happy-go-lucky Naina who refuses to play the victim card and goes about embracing the kids that are not all right. It’s her true grit that makes Hichki appealing.

Rani Mukerji is delightful as the enthusiastic teacher with a never-say-die spirit. Hichki rests on her shoulders and she does not let it falter. Her playful camaraderie with her brother (Hussain Dalal in a charming role) is genuine and one of the more enjoyable parts of the film.

You believe in the brilliance of Rani’s sparkling intelligence and physical stamina through the arduous journey of straightening an unruly lot and braving a barb-ready rival sniggering at her methods — Neeraj Kabi’s starchy, suit-clad, teacher is Narayan Shankar to Rani’s nonconforming Raj Aryan.

But the vexing obviousness and self-pitying texture of the narrative cannot be justified by playing earnest.

And that’s one syndrome Hichki never gains advantage over till the end.

It’s an inspiring slice-of-life film which has to be watched for the simple sensitive manner in which it is told. It will also take you back to your school days. And of course for Rani who makes a powerful comeback.P.S. Please carry a packet of tissues. 

Even if you ignore the core issues in the screenplay, “Hichki” doesn’t even get the underdog winner story right. There is too much trite dialogue and stereotypical situations for the film to throw any surprises your way, and it feels like Malhotra isn’t even trying to do anything different.

Rani Mukerji lords over a film that plays out predictable, pontificatory and manipulative by turn

This story of acceptance in the world of intolerance is a decent watch, but don’t expect an extraordinary plot.

While Rani Mukerji is good as always, the actors who play the students are also natural and without any artifice, with the film cleverly dodging stereotypes just when you suspect one around the corner.

Hichki oscillates between a strong-willed teacher and some kids pushing against the wall. One can be a hero only at the cost of the other. One of them must get an easier win, and the director chooses Rani Mukerji.

It’s well-intentioned and will move you, but it could have been so much more.

Hichki had the potential to be more than just a classroom saga. It does touch upon Naina’s personal struggles and her conflicted relationship with her father. But it could’ve explored these aspects a lot more. For all its shortcomings, the movie still has plenty of freshness, insights and emotional intelligence. It can make you nostalgic about your school days and remind you of your favourite teacher. This one definitely deserves good grades.

Hichki is inconsistent but well-intentioned. More than once I found myself tearing up during the film. That kind of manipulation, I’m willing to live with.

So while Rani strikes the right chord and gets the intricacies of her hiccups right, the film doesn’t elevate much from its hiccups and remains only partly engaging.

The spotlight, therefore, shines entirely on Rani and her journey.  Her acting credentials are impeccable and she lends immense credibility to Naina but let’s just say, Hichki is unable to create the magic that Sidney Poitier created in the British classic To Sir, With Love. However, it’s definitely one that will win over Rani’s fans. 

What we’re missing in this brave, sporadically engaging film is a childlike innocence that films like Dead Poets Society or even Rockford had. Instead, Hichki is Rani’s baby. The entire burden of the film is put on her shoulders — from the sassy bits, to the dramatic ones. It would have been nice to add some sub plots and regular intervals of comic relief. However Hichki is shot well, and the background score adds a certain charm to the film.

If you are craving for a generous dose of idealism and emboldenment, then Rani Mukerji’s drama about teacher-student bonding will scratch that itch right away. It’s one of those inspirational films that careens dangerously between being strongly inspirational and insipidly utopian.