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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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.