It showcases the typical male child driven mentality of India, but, it then also shows how a few things have been made better, and Insu has to practically fish out a burkha to make her YouTube videos. We do like Shakti Kumaarr’s character. It provides a change from the film’s otherwise sad track. Both Vij as the mother and Arjun as the father are terrific, especially the latter, who doesn’t put a foot wrong. Zaira Wasim is a gem that is getting polished with every second she spends in front of the camera, and the director has used her to the most of her abilities.

Secret Superstar’s biggest asset is Aamir Khan. His comedy despite being slapstick in nature, is worth noticing. Zaira Wasim lives up to the expectations and the film has a message. In short, Secret Superstar has everything you ask for, but it isn’t exceptional storytelling. If there is one thing that can be blamed for it, it’s the overt melodrama. Imagine the same film without Aamir Khan and you’ll realise how Shakti Kumar has overpowered the real Secret Superstar and hence the theme of the film. Also, the film has a typical Bollywood texture. Loud background score, slow motion running and a climax that’s not hard to predict. Secret Superstar is mostly about the evolution of a ‘hero’. Secret Superstar will still make you laugh and cry with ease. Show some appetite for drama and you have an entertainer at your service.

The deep pleasures of a simple story, simply yet eloquently told, is what makes Secret Superstar such an engaging, true watch. Till the first half. In the build-up, there is a refreshing absence of gimmicks, and diversions. Post-interval, it dips, and the result is a film which stops short of being superlative. The second half slides. The confidence that the narrative shows in the beginning begins to waver as it includes contrivances and predictable curves. We are rooting for Insiya all the way, and when she is made to break through with such deceptive ease, her victory seems not earned enough. The biggest strength of Secret Superstar is the wonderful Wasim who was also in Dangal: it is such a delight to see a 15-year-old look and feel like a 15 year old, and not a painted doll. Both Vij as the mother and Arjun as the father are terrific, especially the latter, who doesn’t put a foot wrong. Aamir Khan shows up as the out-of-flavour musician Shakti Kumaarr, all tight animal-printed Ts and crotch-hugging jeans, and while his I’m-so-irresistible strutting schtick starts off funny, you wish he had more to do. And after a point, it starts feeling stretched. Fortunately for the film, and us, we are left with young Insiya and her shining face, a beacon of hope for herself and girls in her situation. I liked her enormously, and Wasim plays her with great brio, a mix of sparkle and tentativeness. I wish I liked the film as much.

When Aamir Khan backs a film, you expect quality. The actor who plays an obnoxious music director, Shakti Kumaarr, in this outing, doesn't let you down on that count. Debutant director Advait Chandan, who schooled under Aamir gives you a simple heartfelt film (slightly `fairytalish' at times) but one in which you run the entire gamut of emotions — joy, tears, excitement and ebullience. Nothing is new here. Whether it is batting for the girl child or freeing a battered housewife from the shackles of a loveless marriage, the material at hand has been touched on earlier. But what makes this movie stand out is the adventurous narrative that keeps you rooted and guessing. Aamir is the scene-stealer. His character — a cross between the brash American Idol judge Simon Cowell and your crass Bollywood music directors from the 80-90s — appears like a caricature at the start. But you invest in him eventually because of the nuances he brings. It is also commendable that he never really attempts to steal the limelight from young Zaira, who is an absolute delight to watch. Najma (Meher) as the submissive wife says so much without spelling it out. And others like — Chintan (Tirth Sharma) and child-actor Guddu (Kabir) are adorable. Amit Trivedi's music is pleasing but the score doesn't have the winning quality needed for a film like this. The lyrics by Kausar Munir just about pass muster. If you world revolves around your mother, you're going to root for this film. Go for it girls.