Secret Superstar voices the story of a young girl named Insiya who aspires to be a singer. The teenager however faces resistance from her father, resulting in her journey to stardom anonymously. The content driven film provides wholesome entertainment along with satisfying the intellectual needs of the audience. The passion of the young girl despite her struggle has struck chords with the audience. Awesome acting by the female child actor.

Towards the end of Secret Superstar, a character utters few lines about the basic need of having and chasing dreams. She is doubtlessly inspired by another character who uttered those same lines previously during a heated verbal tiff. The authenticity of drama and the power that these characters have in you, much like how they have it on their co-characters, even while shouting at each other, are remarkable.

Advait Chandan's debut feature, Secret Superstar, which tackles two heavy subjects of domestic violence and chasing dreams at once is a definitive reflection of the patriarchal pit that we, or our women rather, live in. Self-learned amateur bass guitar player, occasional school-goer, and full-time dreamer Insia looks up to Bollywood music singers and follows them on awards circuit, albeit on TV, with a dream to become one herself some day. There are many obstacles that are limiting her chances, but the most virulent and relentless one is in her own middle-class household, a hypocritical sadist father who beats his wife at the drop of a spoon and controls his family like a merciless fascist government. Seeing Insia play with her guitar when she should be studying mathematics instead is already a good reason for him to lash out, so what happens when she creates a YouTube channel and moves an inch forward to her dream? The heated setting explodes, and the explosion is an arresting spectacle.

Director Chandan uses women living in oppression in a patriarchal household to craft a narrative that is a bit unrealistic and contrived from time to time. A theme last seen in Rima Das's festival-favorite indie drama Village Rockstars, the film hopes to shed light into the dreams of young girls suppressed by their own people. A girl who prefers her father's permanent absence and who is forced to travel miles without letting her folks know for fear of rebuke is the perfect example of the combination of audacity and determination required to tackle the obstacles, and Secret Superstar conveys that point across with some palpable drama and shades of quirkiness.

Aamir Khan is absolutely phenomenal as an idiosyncratic music producer known for his sexual escapades and bad temper. His presence on screen is like drinking Kool-Aid in scorching heat, and every time he appears, thirst automatically finds its way. It is characters like him that Chandan uses to support his ship that is determined it will not sink. From the gaudy metallic print t-shirts that he wears to his oddball demeanor, Khan plays a character that is only second to Zaira Wasim's. She steals the limelight with her cheeks that go scarlet when she dreams and surprises herself, quarrels with her mother and close friend Chintan, and takes a stand for herself against the oppression, unlike her mother competitively rocked by the talented and sweet-nosed Meher Vij. The duo look like they are mother-daughter in real life, what with their seamless connection and similar complexion. If Wasim is the captain of this ship then Vij is the second captain with Khan sitting in the corner as an adviser with wisdom and energy to drown in. Special mention to Raj Arjun, who is the mole in this ship, for pulling off the father character so impeccably that you want to beat him up.

One of the many reasons why Secret Superstar works and never bores you is the tiny references that it makes to life in general. Taking potshots at the music industry, surface touching the current Weinstein-inspired scenario, the oppressed family living in a society called "Modern Colony", and the sexism that is so prevalent around us are to name a few. These references are tidbits that make the broth tastier and prevents you from focusing on the mannered narrative. The soundtrack is thankfully not cheesy and gels wells with the screenplay. Music is an integral part of what Insia dreams to achieve, and that's one thing that the film gets correct in terms of picturisation and flow.

It tugs at your heart as you root for this charming little lady with a guitar in one hand and grit in another. Secret Superstar is a warm and engaging film about being fearless and moving toward your dream no matter what, and with a sweet little love story hidden in the core, it scores. It scores big. TN.

SECRET SUPERSTAR REVIEW : Watch it as an Aamir fan, you will not be disappointed. Watch it as Aamir Hater, you will not be disappointed. Watch it as Neutral quality cinema lover, still you won't be disappointed.

Acting- I won't be surprised if despite being a Child Actress (not fully) Zaira Wasim wins Best Actress Awards for the film by crushing many senior actresses of Bollywood. First film as a lead actor and she delivers performance to remember for years. Meher mam you deserved big films, big roles and i'm sure you will totally nail it just like you did as Nazma. Supporting star cast highly appreciated. Aamir as Shakti Kumarrr is completely Hilarious. He hardly has 20 minutes role and 10-12 minutes goes in Overacting (Character need),few people even asked in theater, Why is he doing so much overacting? Yet he has got few moments to explore an Actor in him, and he makes you laugh out loudly in few scenes for complete 5-6 minutes.

Writing- It is Powerful. Story is realistic (has some illogical moments but very very small and forgettable) and has enough twists which increases curiosity among audience.

Screenplay- You may not see it regularly that a film with run time of 150 minutes keeps you engaged throughout. Secret Superstar manages to do so, a slight let down in 2nd half while moving towards climax it looks 5 or 10 minutes longer than expected. But come on emotions takes time.

Music- Dear Amit Trivedi you have failed to deliver a chartbuster but thanks for Melodious 'Nach Di Fira'. Every song is situational so doesn't make you bore, though we expected Hit songs which are actually not required for the film.

Cinematography- Fairly Good, nothing impressive, extraordinary or noticeable.

Direction- Advait Man, you just arrived with a Bang. What a debut man, may be i'm making an overstatement but you could be Best after Hirani in Future. The way you crafted the Story, used twist at the right moments, the way you used Nach di Fira song in 2 version that vision is just Outstanding. No big sets, No expensive things yet a perfect cinematic frame on screen. All The Best for your Future, i wish to meet you soon and thank you for this Classic.

Final Words- As a whole, Secret Superstar is 'Classic' and Best Film of the year so far (Leveled with Hindi Medium). This one deserves to be watched by entire family this Diwali especially by classes. Mass lovers might not be pleased as it lacks that high entertainment value but still got Aamir Khan's Hilariousness. I'm giving 8/10* to this well made Classic and Strongly Recommend you to watch it at any cost.