By now, many of us will have watched “Hichki” already. Luckily, I am one such person, and I will definitely persuade others to watch the film.
Watching the film was a very liberating experience, and it helped me realise how we need to overcome the so-called ‘limitations’ that society imposes on us. This is important, particularly in the Indian context, where the socio-economic status of an individual is a very important part of their identity and acts as a determinant for various social structures.
Here are five things I learnt from the movie:
1. Sometimes A Single Weakness Overpowers All Your Strengths, But You Should Still Not Give Up
The film starts with Naina Mathur (Rani Mukerji) struggling to find a job as a teacher because she is suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome. Mukerji faces rejections irrespective of her impressive portfolio. In a powerful scene, she directly comments on the rejection by the society, which gives more value to our weaknesses rather than our strengths. She says that this behaviour, many a time, makes a person give in. However, Naina somehow manages to get a job at the prestigious St. Notker’s School after being rejected five times by the institute, previously.
2. Questioning The Traditional Ways Of Teaching
“Hichki” questions the stereotypical way of teaching and highlights the change needed in mainstream education that needs to focus more on the concepts rather than being score-oriented.
3. Socio-Economic Status Is Not A Determinant Of Intelligence
In India, till date, our socio-economic status decides how other sections of the society perceive us. The film also questions the attitude of co-relating someone’s socio-economic status with their intelligence. In the film, students of the ‘F’ section come from weaker backgrounds and are hence looked down on. However, in the end, the movie showcases how the ‘F’ section proves that they are as capable as the students of the ‘A’ section (who belong to a better socio-economic stratum).
4. Even The Most Reputed Schools Can Have Unacceptable Policies
Though St. Notkers was shown to be one of the best schools in the city, there were problems with the attitude of the teachers and the other students towards the ‘F’ section. They were looked upon as not being competent enough, primarily because of their socio-economic background, which was a direct reflection of the reality of the Indian society at large.
5. Our Circumstances And Environment Shape Who We Are
Though almost all the students had their unique strengths, they were able to express them only when Naina identified them. Before that, even the students doubted their capabilities, because there was no one to trust them. They also lacked the support of their families and were struggling with their daily needs. This shows us how it is not just the perspective of the others, but also our own perspective that changes according to our circumstances and environment.
Watching “Hichki” is a truly liberating experience because the film touches the issues that need the ‘mainstream attention’ from the media and the citizens at large. If you haven’t seen it, I’d strongly suggest you do so today!