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Gippi
Gippi Theatrical release poster
Directed bySonam Nair
Written bySonam Nair
Produced byHiroo Yash Johar
Karan Johar
StarringRiya Vij
Taaha Shah
Divya Dutta
CinematographyAnshuman Mahaley
Edited byYashashwini Y.P
Music bySongs:
Vishal–Shekhar
Score:
John Stewart Eduri
Production
company
Distributed byUTV Motion Pictures
Release date
  • 10 May 2013 (2013-05-10)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Gippi is an Indian Hindi-language teen drama film written and directed by Sonam Nair and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar and Karan Johar under the Dharma Productions banner, with UTV Motion Pictures serving as distributor. The film stars newcomer Riya Vij and Taaha Shah in lead roles. It was released on 10 May 2013.[1]

Cast

[edit]
  • Riya Vij as Gurpreet "Gippi" Kaur
  • Jayati Modi as Shamira Chauhan
  • Taaha Shah as Arjun
  • Avanti Talwar as Tania
  • Anah Talwar as Sonia
  • Divya Dutta as Pardeep "Pappi" Kaur
  • Raqesh Vashisth as Chemistry teacher
  • Pankaj Dheer as Papa Paaji
  • Mrinal Chawla as Kabir [2][3]
  • Doorva Tripathi as Anchal
  • Aditya Deshpande as Ashish Saraswat

Soundtrack

[edit]
Gippi
Soundtrack album by
Released22 April 2013
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length5:20
LanguageHindi
LabelSony Music India
ProducerKaran Johar
Vishal–Shekhar chronology
Student of the Year
(2012)
Gippi
(2013)
Chennai Express
(2013)

The music was composed by Vishal–Shekhar, with lyrics by Anvita Dutt Guptan & Vishal Dadlani. the music label is on Sony Music.

# Title Singer(s)
1 "Baby Se Baby Doll" Udit Narayan & Sukhwinder Singh
2 "Pehn Di Takki" Vishal Dadlani
3 "Mann Baavra" Shekhar Ravjiani
4 "Dil Kaagzi" Neeti Mohan
5 "We Are Like This Only" Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani & Hard Kaur

Critical reception

[edit]

The film received mixed reviews from the critics.

Kshamaya Daniel for Rediff.com has given 4/5 stars and says Gippi is a movie meant for teens, and that it has all the necessary teen masala—romance, a makeover, cheesy humour and loud music.[4] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the movie a rating of 3.5/5 stars and said "On the whole, GIPPI is a credible take on the 'coming-of-age' variety of movies. This one's straight from the heart. Sweet, simple, emotionally engaging, heart-warming cinema!"[5] Madhureeta Mukherjee of the Times of India gave the movie 3/5 stars, mentioning "Sonam Nair's 'coming of puberty' film handles simple issues sensitively, though it doesn't delve too deep. The subtlety appeals, but lacks drama in the second half, with a mediocre climax."[6] in.com also gave the film a favourable review saying it would "take adults down memory lane while connecting with teenagers at the same time."[7] Rajeev Masand from CNN-IBN gave the movie 2/5 stars, saying that "Ultimately, this could have been a sweet, unusual tale about the triumph of a nerd, yet it's let down by its affected tone."[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gippi is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Sonam Nair in her feature directorial debut, produced by Hiroo Yash Johar and Karan Johar under the banner of Dharma Productions, with UTV Motion Pictures as distributor. The film stars newcomer Riya Vij in the titular role, alongside Divya Dutta as her mother, Taaha Shah as her crush, and Jayati Modi as the antagonist, and centers on the challenges faced by a 14-year-old overweight girl in Shimla as she deals with family issues, school bullying, first love, and a school election campaign that boosts her self-confidence. The screenplay is inspired by Nair's own adolescent experiences. Released theatrically on May 10, 2013, with a runtime of 97 minutes, Gippi explores themes of adolescence, body image, and empowerment through a lighthearted yet poignant lens, earning mixed reviews for its relatable portrayal of teenage struggles while being a commercial flop in India. The film's screenplay draws from Nair's own experiences, emphasizing authentic emotional beats over dramatic exaggeration, and features a soundtrack composed by Vishal-Shekhar that complements its youthful vibe. Critically, it received praise for Vij's earnest performance and its sensitive handling of teen issues but faced criticism for predictable plotting and uneven pacing, holding an average rating of 5.7/10 on IMDb (as of November 2025) based on user votes and 22% on Rotten Tomatoes from select critics.

Synopsis

Plot

Gurpreet "Gippi" is a 14-year-old overweight and awkward girl living in with her divorced mother, Pappi, and younger brother, Booboo. As she navigates the challenges of , Gippi grapples with issues, including anxiety over her developing breasts and the onset of , while confiding in her best friend about these changes. At , she faces constant from the popular and academically gifted Shamira, who mocks her appearance and lack of social standing, while Gippi maintains a close friendship with and enjoys simple pleasures like dancing to songs and snacking. Family tensions escalate when Gippi learns that her estranged father is remarrying a foreign woman named Jennifer in Delhi, prompting insecurity in her mother and forcing Gippi to attend the engagement party with her family. At the event, Gippi meets and develops a crush on the brooding older boy Arjun, mistaking his brief attention for romantic interest, which awakens her adolescent feelings for the first time. Back at school, Gippi boasts to Shamira that Arjun is her boyfriend to assert herself, but Arjun publicly rejects and humiliates her in front of Shamira during a confrontation, deepening her despair and leading to a heated challenge: Shamira dares Gippi to run against her for the position of school head girl in the upcoming elections. Motivated by the rejection and a desire for self-empowerment, Gippi accepts the challenge, embarking on a campaign to boost her popularity despite her underdog status. Throughout her campaign, Gippi attempts a to fit in, seeks advice from friends and her quirky brother Booboo, and confronts ongoing strains, including efforts to her parents amid her mother's jealousy over the father's new life. Her romantic pursuit of Arjun ends in further heartbreak, but it fuels her determination in the election, where she rallies support through humorous school antics, classes, and party mishaps. In the , Gippi unexpectedly wins the election, surprising everyone including herself. However, reflecting on her lack of interest in student issues and recognizing Shamira's superior suitability for the role, Gippi steps down and recommends Shamira, marking her growth in confidence and . This act leads to with Shamira, as the two become friends, and Gippi fully embraces her authentic identity, finding happiness in rather than external validation.

Themes

Gippi prominently addresses themes of and , centering on the experiences of adolescent girls amid societal judgment and fatphobia. The protagonist's journey challenges conventional beauty standards, portraying fatness not as a flaw but as a valid aspect of girlhood that fosters resilience and . Through her narrative, the film undermines sizeist norms prevalent in South Asian culture, where fat bodies are often ridiculed, and promotes a counter-hegemonic view of corporeality that empowers young women to embrace their physical selves without shame. The film also examines the challenges of , including first love, , and within a setting. It captures the awkward vulnerabilities of , such as navigating crushes, social hierarchies, and the quest for belonging among peers, often exacerbated by insecurities that lead to desexualization and hostility. These elements highlight how pubescent girls negotiate self-worth in environments rife with judgment, emphasizing emotional growth over physical conformity. Family dynamics post-divorce form a key motif, illustrating the strains and supports of single parenting and blended families through the protagonist's interactions with her mother and father. Her single mother's role as a confidante underscores themes of maternal solidarity in the face of paternal remarriage, while the father's actions reveal tensions in co-parenting and the impact of family restructuring on children's emotional lives. This portrayal reflects the realities of modern Indian households navigating separation without resorting to melodrama. Empowerment emerges through the protagonist's involvement in school elections, serving as a metaphor for reclaiming agency against and the superficiality of popularity contests. By contesting against a favored peer, she transforms personal insecurities into , symbolizing broader adolescent struggles for voice and validation in competitive social spheres. In its cultural context, Gippi authentically depicts middle-class Indian teen life in , weaving in everyday facets like school gossip, informal , and sibling bonds that blend rivalry with affection. This setting grounds the story in relatable Himalayan urbanity, where mundane rituals and community pressures shape youthful identities without exoticizing them.

Production

Development

"Gippi" marked the directorial debut of Sonam Nair, who drew inspiration from her own pre-teen and teenage experiences to craft a centered on authentic adolescent struggles, such as issues and social awkwardness. Having previously assisted on films like "," Nair wrote the script herself, infusing it with personal anecdotes from her school days in , where she felt unpopular and overweight, to emphasize realistic portrayals of teenage emotions and relationships. She shared the script with , who recommended it to , securing support for the project based on its heartfelt narrative. Dharma Productions announced "Gippi" in July 2012 as their first targeted specifically at children and , produced by Hiroo and in association with , who aimed to explore content-driven stories for younger audiences beyond their typical large-scale productions. The project was positioned as a mid-scale family-oriented with a budget of approximately ₹6 , allowing focus on intimate rather than high . This allocation reflected Dharma's intent to diversify into smaller, relatable narratives while maintaining quality production values. Nair finalized the title as "Gippi" to directly reference the protagonist Gurpreet Kaur's affectionate , capturing the film's lighthearted yet grounded tone. Throughout , she iterated on the script through multiple drafts, incorporating feedback from industry peers to refine dialogues and scenarios for greater authenticity in depicting teen life.

Casting

The casting process for Gippi emphasized discovering fresh talent through extensive open auditions to ensure authentic, relatable performances, deliberately avoiding established stars to maintain focus on the story's emotional core. Director Sonam Nair and the team conducted auditions in schools across and , evaluating over 30,000 young participants to find actors who could deliver natural, unpolished portrayals. For the titular lead role of Gippi, the search targeted newcomers capable of capturing the character's inherent awkwardness and vulnerability. After testing thousands of girls, Delhi-based , then 14 years old, was selected for her instinctive reactions during scenarios, which highlighted her realness and subtle emotional shifts without overt acting. noted that Vij's shy demeanor and expressive face made her ideal, allowing the character to feel genuine rather than performed. Taaha Shah was cast as Arjun, Gippi's crush, following an approach from Dharma Productions that led to his audition. With a prior modeling background that lent him a approachable, boy-next-door quality, Shah was chosen for his ability to embody a carefree yet charming teen, aligning with the film's grounded tone. His selection came after he relocated to Mumbai aspiring to act, marking an early breakthrough in his career. Divya Dutta was brought on early as Pappi, Gippi's mother, leveraging her established versatility in nuanced, emotional roles from films like Delhi-6. Her attachment faced little competition, as her experience provided stability amid the predominantly novice cast. Supporting roles featured several new faces discovered via the broad audition drive, including Doorva Tripathi as Anchal (Gippi's best friend) and Jayati Modi as Shamira (the antagonist), both selected for their fresh energy and fit in ensemble dynamics. Raqesh Vashisth was cast as the chemistry teacher after screen tests, stepping in for the part originally considered for a higher-profile actor like Ranbir Kapoor due to scheduling issues; his screen presence made him a suitable replacement for the authoritative yet engaging mentor figure. A key challenge in was guiding inexperienced young performers unfamiliar with film sets, requiring multiple takes and patient direction to elicit authentic responses. To preserve realism, the team insisted on non-glamorous styling—such as ill-fitting uniforms, minimal makeup, and tousled hair for the leads—rejecting polished in favor of everyday authenticity reflective of small-town life. explicitly took the risk of forgoing big stars, believing it allowed the narrative about to shine without distractions.

Filming

Principal photography for Gippi primarily took place in to evoke the authentic atmosphere of a hill-town setting central to the story. The production utilized local schools in for sequences depicting school life and everyday adolescent interactions, while family scenes were filmed in nearby homes to enhance realism. Interior shots, including studio-based setups, were captured in . Cinematography was led by Anshuman Mahaley, who focused on dynamic visuals to convey the youthful energy and intimacy of the narrative. Editing duties were managed by Yashashwini Y.P., who assembled the footage into a concise 95-minute runtime designed to sustain narrative momentum without unnecessary elongation. Post-production wrapped in early 2013, incorporating essential sound design and minimal visual enhancements to support key graphical elements like school election visuals.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

Gurpreet "Gippi" Kaur is portrayed by , who makes her acting debut as the awkward, overweight teenage protagonist grappling with self-doubt, issues, and personal growth during . Gippi serves as the central figure whose journey drives the narrative, highlighting her struggles with fitting in at and forming connections. Arjun, played by Taaha Shah, is Gippi's classmate and romantic interest, embodying an approachable yet idealized young love that challenges her insecurities. Shah, who transitioned from a modeling career in the UAE to acting after studying , brings a charismatic presence to the role following his earlier film debut. Pardeep "Pappi" Kaur is enacted by as Gippi's supportive single mother navigating life after divorce, providing emotional guidance and a non-traditional parental dynamic. Dutta, with an established career in spanning over two decades, infuses the character with authenticity drawn from her own family experiences.

Supporting roles

Shamira Chauhan, portrayed by Jayati Modi, serves as the primary among the students, embodying the of the popular, affluent girl who relentlessly bullies Gippi for her appearance and social awkwardness. As Gippi's rival in the elections for head girl, Shamira's taunts and manipulative tactics underscore the film's exploration of and in adolescent social hierarchies. Aanchal, played by Doorva Tripathi, is Gippi's steadfast best friend and confidante, offering unwavering emotional support amid the protagonist's insecurities and school challenges. Their close bond provides moments of through candid conversations about and , while Aanchal's own vulnerabilities, such as concerns over her developing body, add depth to the subplot of mutual reliance among outsiders. Booboo, Gippi's mischievous enacted by Arbaaz Kadwani, injects levity into the family dynamics through his playful antics and teasing, highlighting everyday household humor in a single-parent home. His interactions with Gippi reveal lighthearted rivalries typical of brother-sister relationships, contributing to the film's portrayal of domestic normalcy amid personal turmoil. Gippi's father, depicted by , represents an absent parental figure following the , whose impending remarriage to a foreign exacerbates family tensions and Gippi's sense of instability. His flashy preparations for the , including public displays, strain relations with Gippi's mother and indirectly fuel the protagonist's quest for outside the family unit. Several minor roles flesh out the school environment, including the chemistry played by Raqesh Vashisth, who pairs Gippi with her crush in lab assignments, advancing romantic subplots through awkward academic interactions. Classmates such as , portrayed by Mrinal Chawla, and others like those led by the current headboy (Acchui), contribute to the bustling atmosphere, representing the diverse that amplifies Gippi's isolation and eventual growth.

Soundtrack

Composition

The music for Gippi was composed by the duo , known for their dynamic and contemporary sound that aligns well with the film's coming-of-age narrative centered on teenage experiences. Their selection emphasized a youthful and energetic approach, delivering beats designed to resonate with younger audiences through a blend of funky rhythms and emotional depth. The lyrics were penned by Anvita Dutt Guptan and Vishal Dadlani, who infused the songs with relatable elements such as Punjabi beats, regional accents like Uttar Pradesh inflections, and casual school slang to capture the innocence and fascination of childhood perspectives. This stylistic choice created a mix of upbeat dance numbers, romantic and dreamy ballads, and nostalgic tracks evoking simpler times, including a lullaby-like composition. The soundtrack , featuring five original songs, was released on 22 April 2013 by , ahead of the film's theatrical on 10 May 2013. The film's background score was composed by John Stewart Eduri.

Track listing

The soundtrack of ''Gippi'' features five original songs composed by and released by on April 22, 2013.
No.TitleSinger(s)LengthDescription
1"Baby Se Baby Doll", 4:04Upbeat dance number about teen crushes.
2"Pehn Di Takki"3:49Punjabi-flavored election anthem featured in school rally scenes.
3"Mann Baavra"4:55Romantic for Gippi-Arjun scenes.
4"Dil Kaagzi"3:51Playful track on emotions.
5"We Are Like This Only", 3:36Quirky family song.

Release

Promotion

The promotional campaign for Gippi began with the release of the first look poster on March 31, 2013, featuring the young protagonist in a vibrant, school-setting visual that captured the film's lighthearted take on . This was followed by the official trailer on April 1, 2013, which showcased the teen humor, awkward crushes, and empowering journey of the child cast, including debutant as the titular character, to generate buzz among family audiences. Posters and teasers emphasized colorful, fun visuals with schoolyard motifs and relatable teen scenarios, designed to appeal to families and young viewers by highlighting themes of and friendship. To build pre-release excitement, released key soundtrack tracks early, such as the upbeat "We Are Like This Only" on April 12, 2013, and "Pehn Di Takki" shortly after, leveraging the music's energetic vibe to amplify the film's youthful spirit. Promotional events included a press meet in on May 2, 2013, where director Sonam Nair and cast members discussed the film's focus on everyday teen challenges. This was followed by a special screening on May 7, 2013, at in , attended by Bollywood figures like and Siddharth Malhotra, serving as an early showcase for the coming-of-age narrative. The cast then conducted a promotional tour in and on May 8–9, 2013, engaging media and fans through press conferences to highlight the story's relatable elements for young audiences.

Distribution

Gippi was theatrically released on 10 May 2013 in following its certification as U/A by the , indicating suitability for unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance advised for children under 12 years. The distribution was managed by , which was a division of at the time; its operations were later integrated into following Disney's acquisition and the 2024 merger with . In , the film premiered across approximately 375 screens, with a strategic emphasis on multiplexes in metropolitan areas and single-screen theaters particularly in northern circuits like , , and to capitalize on family-oriented audiences. Internationally, UTV facilitated a in key markets, including the and the on the same date as the domestic launch, aiming at Indian families through select urban cinemas. The film later became available for streaming on platforms such as and , and for purchase on Apple TV and , as of November 2025. The film's runtime stands at , preserving its original cut without significant alterations post-certification to maintain the integrity of its coming-of-age .

Reception

Critical response

Gippi received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, earning an average rating of around 3 out of 5 stars across major publications. On , the film garnered a 22% approval rating from critics based on six reviews, reflecting a general consensus of modest praise tempered by reservations about its execution. Reviewers appreciated its fresh perspective on adolescent challenges, particularly the sensitive depiction of and in a Bollywood context, which was seen as a relatable and heartfelt exploration for young audiences. Riya Vij's debut performance as the titular character was a standout, lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth, with critics noting her ability to convey vulnerability and charm effectively. awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the strong ensemble of young actors and the film's straightforward, engaging narrative on teen insecurities. Similarly, praised the movie's humorous moments and vintage soundtrack, positioning it as an appealing teen comedy-drama for viewers aged 11 to 21. The described it as "fairly bright, emotionally intelligent, effervescent, [and] charming," emphasizing its positive, feel-good resolution. However, criticisms focused on the film's predictable plot and lack of narrative depth, with The Times of India giving it 3 out of 5 stars and pointing out a mediocre climax and insufficient drama in the second half. Rajeev Masand of CNN-News18 rated it 2 out of 5, arguing that while the director's ideas on adolescence were progressive, they were undermined by uneven execution and lost opportunities. Despite the critical ambivalence, user scores were higher, such as 5.6 out of 10 on IMDb from nearly 1,000 ratings, indicating stronger appeal among general audiences, particularly youth relating to its themes of self-acceptance.

Box office

Gippi collected ₹0.75 nett on its opening day in . The film earned ₹3 nett over its opening weekend. In its first week, it grossed ₹4.5 nett domestically. The total India nett collection stood at ₹4.5 , while the worldwide gross was ₹5.75 . Produced on a of ₹6 , the film was declared a flop due to its inability to recover costs amid competition from and low occupancy rates.

Accolades

At the 20th held in , Gippi earned a nomination for in the category of Best Supporting Actress (Drama) for her portrayal of the protagonist's mother. The film did not receive any major wins or additional nominations at prominent ceremonies, including the , International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, or National Film Awards. While Gippi garnered some recognition for its themes of teen , it secured no formal accolades related to youth festivals, box office performance, or other specialized honors. Director Nair's debut effort was praised in critical circles for its fresh take on coming-of-age stories, though it did not translate into formal awards for the filmmaking team.

References

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