Apart from introducing its audience to a rarely know syndrome and educating them about it, there is little that is special or unique about Hichki. Highly predictable fare, the condition, prescription and treatment feel terribly dated. Its been done too many times and 'To Ma'am with Love', doesn't really project freshness or a new approach.
Hichki shows up a host of issues - educating us on the peculiar syndrome its protagonist has, what education is all about, the class divide between students, standing up for what is right and just - or perhaps none of these, since it doesn't really focus the argument in any one direction. While we see the plight of the students, there is little social commentary. Its all in service of a painfully predictable plotline. Pity, Hichki could have been so much more.
Much like its title, the movie stutters its way through to a very ordinary first half. It picks up pieces from multiple movies and severely lacks originality. In fact, its only towards the climax that the movie shows us something new, and moves to a somewhat higher plane. Most of the other time, one can too clearly see, where the 'inspiration' for this particular set of scenes comes from.
Rani Mukherji tries her level best to breathe life into her character as the protagonist of the story. I had no clue about the syndrome prior to watching this movie so I can't judge whether she pulls it off convincingly - it sure appears like it though. Her determination, cheerfulness and more emotional moments do come to the fore quite well. Of course, its nothing she hasn't done before and Hitchki doesn't really challenge a stalwart like her. Some of the kids in the movie also pull off a good performance.
The songs are few and far between but still the movie feels overlong. It doesn't have as much to say, especially in the first half. The surprise towards the climax is truly worth appreciating. Also, the relationship between the protagonist and her father is particularly well handled. Not overly melodramatic and yet delivers the impact. If only the rest of the movie was also like that.
Released 10 years ago and preferably before gems like Taare Zameen Par - Hichki might have stood a chance. In 2018 though, with a string of movies that have broached the same subject and done a great job of it - Hichki doesn't get one to sit up and take notice.
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