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Secret Superstar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAdvait Chandan
Written byAdvait Chandan
Produced byAamir Khan
Kiran Rao
Nittin Keni
Akash Chawla
StarringZaira Wasim
Aamir Khan
Meher Vij
Raj Arjun
CinematographyAnil Mehta
Edited byHemanti Sarkar
Music byAmit Trivedi
Production
companies
Zee Studios
Amir Khan Productions
Distributed byZee Studios International (Overseas)
Release date
  • 19 October 2017 (2017-10-19)[1]
Running time
150 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹15 crore (US$1.8 million)[3]
Box officeest. ₹858.43 crore - ₹966 crore[a]

Secret Superstar is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language musical drama film written and directed by Advait Chandan, and produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao under the studio Aamir Khan Productions.[6][7][8] The film stars Zaira Wasim, Aamir Khan, Meher Vij and Raj Arjun.[9] The film tells the coming-of-age story of a teenage girl who aspires to be a singer, uploading videos on YouTube while disguising her identity with a niqab, and her relationships with her mother, father and mentor.[10] The film deals with social issues including feminism, gender equality and domestic violence.[11] This marks the penultimate film of Wasim's career in Indian cinema.

The film received overall positive reviews from critics.[12] Wasim won the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement.[13] Secret Superstar received ten nominations at the 63rd Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Chandan, Best Actress for Wasim, and Best Supporting Actor for Khan. It won three Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress (Critics) for Wasim, Best Supporting Actress for Vij, and Best Playback Singer (Female) for Meghna Mishra. The film serves as the second collaboration between Wasim and Khan following Dangal (2016).

Secret Superstar became one of the most profitable films of all time, grossing ₹9.05 billion ($154 million) worldwide on a limited budget of ₹150 million (US$2.3 million), with over 6,000% return on investment (ROI). The film is also the highest-grossing Indian film featuring a female protagonist, the highest-grossing 2017 Hindi film, the seventh highest-grossing Hindi film of all-time and the second highest-grossing Indian film overseas. In China, it is the fifth highest-grossing foreign film of 2018, and the second highest-grossing non-English foreign film ever (after Dangal).

Plot

[edit]

Insia Malik, a 15-year-old girl, lives with her Muslim family in Baroda: her mother Najma, her brother Guddu, her paternal grandmother, and her abusive father Farookh, who often beats his wife. Insia is very passionate about singing, and her mother supports her, but her father is against her dream of being a singer.

She records a song wearing a niqab, so Farookh can't find out her identity, and uploads the video on YouTube under the name of 'Secret Superstar' using the laptop gifted by Najma. She becomes an overnight sensation and grabs the attention of Shakti Kumar, a talented but pretentious music director based in Mumbai. He requests Insia to record a song, but she refuses as she hears a lot of negative things about him. Due to her poor academic grades, Farookh rips out all the strings from her guitar.

The next night, after discovering that Najma sold a valuable necklace to buy Insia's laptop, Farookh thrashes her and tells Insia to throw out the laptop. Insia gets so angry that she snatches the laptop and drops it from the balcony where it falls and shatters on the street. After fleeing from school to record a song for Kumar, she is unable to sing a certain party song. Insia tells this to Kumar who reveals that it is a remix. He tells her about the original version which was launched ten years ago. After singing the original song, her fame grows and she is nominated for the Best Female Singer. Insia persuades Kumar to arrange a meeting with his ex-wife's lawyer. The lawyer prepares divorce papers for Najma to sign, and gives them to Insia.

Insia gives her mother divorce papers to sign, but her mother angrily rejects Insia's demand that her parents divorce. Insia becomes frustrated with her mother, but later reconciles with her, after her grandmother reveals how Najma struggled to keep Insia alive. Farookh is offered a job in Riyadh and he makes it known to Insia that he plans to marry her off to his friend's son. Devastated, Insia gives up her dream of singing and deletes her YouTube channel. Farookh confirms their departure on the last day of Insia's exams.

When they arrive at the airport to depart for their flight, Farookh spots Insia's guitar case. Unwilling to pay the extra fee for the case, he demands that Insia throw the guitar in the nearest trash can. After initially holding back her emotions, Najma finally stands up for herself and boldly protests. She angrily warns Farookh that should he lay hands on her or their kids, he will face severe consequences and even lose his job in Riyadh. Najma then takes out the divorce papers, signs them, and thrusts them into Farookh's hands. Najma says her goodbyes to Farookh's mother and storms out of the airport with her children in tow, as Farookh tries to beg Najma and Insia for forgiveness. Najma borrows a stranger's cell phone and asks Insia to contact Kumar.

All three ultimately end up at the awards ceremony where Insia has been nominated for Best Female Singer. Unfortunately, Insia does not win the award. But the winner, Monali Thakur, graciously dedicates Insia her award believing she rightfully deserved it. Kumar stands up and calls attention to Insia's presence in the audience. While walking onstage, Insia removes her niqab, revealing her true identity. She dedicates her award to her mother and proclaims her the true 'Secret Superstar' since Najma supported and fought for Insia even before her birth. She drops the microphone and runs toward her, and the two embrace to thunderous applause from the audience.

The screen fades to a message dedicating the movie "To Mothers And Motherhood." Later, Shakti Kumar releases a cheesy party song on YouTube dedicated to Insia.

Cast

[edit]

Cameo Appearances

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Chandan conceived of the film during the first season of Aamir Khan's television talk show Satyamev Jayate. While doing the research on the episode about domestic violence, Advait Chandan came across Shanno, a single mother and a victim of domestic abuse. After her husband died, Shanno decided to join a driving school and become a driver so as to run her house, a decision that had the full support of her daughter who was willing to work as a maid so that her mother could go and learn driving. Shanno was successful in becoming a driver and through that she managed to support her house. This story redefined the word hero for Advait Chandan who says, "That is when I realised that my idea of a hero was really narrow. Shanno's daughter is the real hero here. The definition of a hero for me and what I was writing about, it totally changed at that moment."[14][15]

During the third season of Satyamev Jayate, the first episode narrated the success story of ten year old Shubham Jaglan, son of a milkman and the youngest golf champion of India. Shubham revealed that he learned 60 per cent of Golf through YouTube videos.[16] The story of Shubham further helped Advait Chandan in the development of his film Secret Superstar. Advait says that, "I feel like the middle class is really getting affected by the internet. I never went to film school, but I can sit here and watch a lesson on Stanley Kubrick's camera movements, for example. The internet is empowering the middle class in a way that really needed to be captured on film. That was the umbrella idea—a mother and daughter in middle-class, small-town India getting empowered by this amazing tool that is giving platform to talent."[14]

In July 2015 it was reported that Aamir Khan shall be collaborating with his manager Advait Chandan and music composer A. R. Rahman for a film that was initially titled Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai.[17][18] In late April 2016, the title of the film was said to be Secret Superstar. A.R. Rahman later opted out of the film, citing schedule conflicts. He was replaced by Amit Trivedi.

Casting and filming

[edit]

Aamir Khan had cast Zaira Wasim, when she was aged 14, in Dangal (2016). Shortly afterwards, Advait told Khan that he was looking for a girl of a similar age for the lead role of his film Secret Superstar, and Khan suggested Wasim. After Advait tested her, he was impressed and cast her in the lead role.[19]

The principal photography of the film commenced on 1 September 2016. The film is shot in Vadodara and Mumbai.[20]

The film was produced with a limited budget. Most sources state the production budget is ₹15 crore (US$2.3 million). Rob Cain gives the film's total production and marketing budget as ₹25 crore (US$3.84 million). Box Office India gives its budget as ₹45 crore (US$6.91 million), but it is not known if this includes marketing costs.[b]

Release

[edit]

India

[edit]

Secret Superstar was originally set to release on 4 August 2017,[29] but it was later postponed to 19 October 2017.[30] The film released in 1,100 theatres with 1,800 screens in India,[31] and opened on 2,840 screens worldwide.[32][33] The film made its Indian television debut on Zee Cinema, airing on 24–25 February 2018 in India.[34]

Overseas

[edit]

The film released in Taiwan on 24 November 2017, on 73 screens, more than Dangal. It was also announced that Secret Superstar would release in Russia, on 50 screens.[35] The film was released in Russia on 8 February 2018.[36][37] The same month, it was announced that there are plans to release the film in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.[38] The film had a theatrical release in the Philippines on 31 March 2018.[39] In Japan, the film released on 9 August 2019.[40]

China

[edit]

Aamir Khan announced in late October 2017 that he would be planning to release Secret Superstar in China over the next one or two months.[41] The film released in China on 19 January 2018.[42][43] It is the first Indian film to have a revenue-sharing deal, which is usually reserved for big Hollywood films. Khan's share of Chinese box office revenue will be 25%, compared to his 12.5% share for Dangal.[25] Secret Superstar was released on 11,000 screens in China.[44]

Secret Superstar's China premiere was in Beijing on 16 January 2018, and was attended by director Advait Chandan, actress Zaira Wasim, and singer Meghna Mishra. Khan could not attend, but planned to visit China shortly after the film's release. The premiere was also attended by Chinese filmmakers such as Peter Chan, Tsai Yueh Hsun, Daming Chen, and Zhang Jiajia, and Chinese actors such as the Luu Brothers.[45][46] The film's reception at the premiere was positive, which includes Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan calling it his second-favourite Indian film after 3 Idiots (2009),[45][47] and writer-director Zhang Jiajia being impressed with the film's theme of empowering women to pursue their dreams.[48] Upon release, the film was promoted with a manhua comic featuring Aamir Khan with the same title as the film.[49]

Khan began his tour of China on 22 January 2018, and was greeted by film star Deng Chao upon arrival.[50] He visited Shanghai, where he was welcomed by large crowds of fans.[51] He then visited Beijing,[52] where he attended the "Red Carpet for Aamir Khan and His Friends" event with Chandan and Wasim, then the Chinese-Indian Film Forum,[53] and the film's press conference.[54] The Chinese-Indian Film Forum, held by CCTV, was attended by a number of Chinese directors, stars, and film critics, including Chinese filmmaker Yu Baimei and Hong Kong filmmaker Stanley Tong, as well as former Olympic champion Liu Guoliang with whom Khan played a competitive ping pong (table tennis) match.[citation needed] Khan was also greeted by actor-singer Huang Bo, as well as other film stars including Liu Yifei[55] and Jackie Chan in video messages.[citation needed]

Hong Kong

[edit]

The film released in Hong Kong on 12 April 2018.[56] On 15 April 2018, Aamir Khan arrived in Hong Kong for promotions.[57] Khan and Zaira Wasim attended a promotional event with Hong Kong film star Andy Lau, who Khan has often been compared to by Chinese media.[58] Khan and Wasim also attended the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards, where Khan presented the Best Actor award to actor Louis Koo.[59] On 16 April 2018, Khan attended an event at the University of Hong Kong along with Cantopop singer Kay Tse,[60][61] who later also attended the film's premiere.[62]

Distribution

[edit]

Zee Studios International acquired the rights Internationally.

Music

[edit]
Main article: Secret Superstar (soundtrack)

Initially, Aamir Khan approached A. R. Rahman to compose music for the film. Prasoon Joshi was signed as the lyricist, thus reuniting the trio after Rang De Basanti (2006) and Ghajini (2008). But once the production was delayed, Rahman and Prasoon Joshi opted out of the project citing scheduling conflicts.[63] The music of the film was composed by Amit Trivedi while the lyrics of the film were written by Kausar Munir. The album has eight tracks, with five of them being sung by Meghna Mishra. Mika Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan and Kushal Chokshi sang one song each. The music video of the song "Main Kaun Hoon" was released on 23 August 2017. The full soundtrack album was released on 21 September 2017.

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Secret Superstar became one of the most profitable films of all time,[27][64][65][66] grossing ₹905 crore[67] ($154 million),[3] worldwide on a limited budget of ₹15 crore (US$2.3 million), with over 6,000% return on investment (ROI).[27][68] The film is also the highest-grossing Indian film featuring a female protagonist, the highest-grossing 2017 Hindi film, the fourth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, and the second highest-grossing Indian film overseas.[38][69][70][71] In China, it is the fifth highest-grossing foreign film of 2018, and the second highest-grossing non-English foreign film ever (after Dangal).[69][72][73][74]

The film's worldwide gross was ₹101 crore by 31 October 2017,[75][76] and then ₹150 crore (US$23.03 million) by 18 January 2018 prior to its China release.[77] Compared to its limited budget, Secret Superstar became one of the most profitable films of all time.[23][27][64][65] Following its China release on 19 January 2018, it grossed more than ₹900 crore (US$138.2 million) worldwide by 15 February 2018, on a budget of ₹15 crore (US$2.3 million), over 6,000% return on investment (ROI),[68] one of the highest of all time.[66] In comparison, only two films have exceeded $6,000% ROI at the US box office, Paranormal Activity (2009) and The Gallows (2015).[78]

It was the highest-grossing 2017 Hindi film. Secret Superstar grossed ₹905 crore (US$138.97 million) worldwide by 27 February 2018.[67]

Territories Gross revenue Footfalls (est.)
India ₹90 crore (US$13.82 million) – ₹64 crore nett[79] 5,087,000[80]
China ¥747.077 million[81] (₹751 crore)[82] 24,884,000[83]
Hong Kong HK$14 million[84] – US$1,801,802 (₹118 million)[85] 180,000[84][86]
South Korea ₩86,453,100[87] ($69,323)[88] 10,758[87]
Russia US$6,682[88] (₹4.4 lakh)[89] 1,700[88][90]
Other territories ₹65 crore (US$9.98 million)[79] 790,000
United States and Canada US$2,172,000[80] (₹13.89 crore)[91] 240,000[80][92]
Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) ₹9.89 crore (US$1.52 million)[91] 160,000[91][93]
Taiwan NT$26.2 million[94] – ₹5.8 crore (US$900,000)[95] 114,505[94]
United Kingdom £628,000[80] – ₹5.8 crore (US$890,641.51)[96] 82,491[97]
Turkey US$468,276[88] (₹3.05 crore)[89] 162,567[97]
European Union 9,261[97]
Australia A$294,096[80] – US$212,844[88] (₹1.6 crore) 21,000[80][98]
Overseas total ₹825 crore (US$126.69 million) 31,000,000
Worldwide total ₹905.7 crore (US$154 million)[3] 36,000,000

India

[edit]

Secret Superstar grossed ₹41 crore in its first week in India.[99] The film grossed over ₹58 crore after ten days at the domestic Indian box office.[100] By 13 November 2017, the film grossed ₹83 crore (US$12.8 million) in India, including a nett of ₹75 crore.[28] By the end of 2017, the film grossed ₹89 crore in India.[101]

As of 28 January 2018, its domestic gross is ₹90 crore, including a nett ₹64 crore,[79] with footfalls of 5.1 million audiences.[80] It was declared a hit at the Indian box office, and is domestically one of 2017's five most commercially successful Bollywood films, along with Tiger Zinda Hai, Golmaal Again, Raees, and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.[102]

Overseas

[edit]

Secret Superstar grossed US$2.8 million overseas in its first weekend, performing well in unconventional markets, entering the top four in Turkey and the top ten in the United Kingdom.[103] The film's overseas gross in its opening weekend was US$2,116,565 in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Australia and Pakistan.[104] The film grossed US$468,276 in Turkey, as of 19 November 2017,[88] surpassing Dangal's performance in Turkey.[105] In the United Kingdom, Secret Superstar grossed £500,000 (US$684,932) by 30 October 2017,[106] and grossed ₹5.42 crore (US$832,289.13) as of 26 November 2017.[91] It has also grossed ₹13.89 crore (US$2.13 million) in the United States and Canada as of 10 December 2017, and ₹9.89 crore (US$1.52 million) in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf as of 5 November 2017.[91] By 22 November 2017, the film had grossed US$6.48 million[107] (₹42.2 crore[89]) overseas.[108]

In Taiwan, where it released on 24 November 2017, the film grossed US$285,000 (₹1.85 crore) in five days, which is 77% of the amount that Dangal grossed in its first five days there, as of 29 November 2017.[109] The film entered at number three on the Taiwan box office charts.[110] Seventeen days after release, Secret Superstar grossed ₹4.6 crore (US$706,370.85) in Taiwan,[111] where it crossed US$815,000 (₹5.3 crore) by 19 December 2017,[43] increasing the film's overseas gross to ₹49 crore (US$7.52 million).[43] As of 28 January 2018, the film's Taiwan gross is NT$26.2 million,[94] equivalent to ₹5.8 crore (US$900,000).[95] Excluding China, the film has grossed ₹65 crore (US$9.98 million) in other overseas territories as of 28 January 2018.[79]

During its opening weekend in China, the film's overseas gross reached ₹223 crore (US$32.61 million) by 21 January 2018.[27] It established Aamir Khan as the only Indian actor with five films crossing US$20 million overseas, after 3 Idiots (2009), Dhoom 3 (2013), PK (2014), and Dangal (2016).[25] During its opening weekend in China, Secret Superstar emerged as the weekend's highest-grossing film in a single international market, and the second-highest-grossing film overall at the worldwide box office, behind only Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (in 93 markets), and above other Hollywood films such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Insidious: The Last Key, and Maze Runner: The Death Cure.[112][113][114] In its second weekend, Secret Superstar remained the second-highest-grossing film at the international box office, behind Maze Runner and ahead of Jumanji.[115] By 8 February 2018, Secret Superstar grossed US$109.23 million overseas,[38] establishing Aamir Khan as the only Indian actor with two US$100 million overseas grossers.[116] It is the highest-grossing 2017 Indian film overseas,[70] surpassing Tiger Zinda Hai and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,[71] and the second-highest-grossing Indian film ever overseas,[116] surpassing PK and behind only Dangal.[71][117]

China

[edit]

In China, the film earned US$9.9 million[118] (₹43 crore)[89] in ticket presales by 15 January 2018.[118] Upon release on 19 January 2018, Secret Superstar topped the Chinese box office with a 25.3% market share,[119] followed by Zhang Ziyi starrer Forever Young with a 16% share.[24] By the end of its opening day, Secret Suparstar had grossed US$7.03 million[120] (₹46 crore),[89] surpassing Dangal's US$2.35 million opening to become the biggest debut for an Indian film.[121] The film grossed US$11 million on its second day, remaining at the top of the box office. Its initial two-day gross in China was US$18 million[122] (₹117 crore)[89] by 20 January 2018, surpassing the film's lifetime India gross,[123] as well as surpassing Dangal's initial two-day China gross of ₹44.97 crore (US$6.58 million).[124]

Secret Superstar's opening weekend gross was US$29.2 million[125] (₹200 crore),[126] after its show count rose from 56,000 screenings on Friday to 63,000 on Sunday.[127] It topped the Chinese box office in its opening weekend, despite crowded competition,[127] from Chinese films such as Forever Young and A Better Tomorrow 2018 as well as Hollywood films such as Ferdinand, Wonder, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.[128][129] Secret Superstar's opening weekend gross in China more than doubled its lifetime gross in India.[130] It set the record for the highest opening weekend gross for an Indian film in China, surpassing Dangal,[131] and is the second Indian film in less than a year to top the Chinese box office, after Dangal.[127] Secret Superstar also became the second-highest-grossing Indian film in China, surpassing PK and behind only Dangal.[132] Secret Superstar's weekend gross in China is also the highest single-territory weekend gross for a 2017 Hindi film, surpassing the opening-weekend India gross of Tiger Zinda Hai (₹175 crore)[133] and the Hindi version of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (₹128 crore).[134]

In four days, the film grossed $33 million[135] (₹215 crore)[89] in China. On its fifth day, its daily show count increased to over 64,000 screenings,[136] and it gained a 33.7% market share of the Chinese box office.[137] In six days, the film grossed $43 million,[138] surpassing the lifetime China gross of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.[74][139][140] Secret Superstar's first-week gross in China was $47.1 million[141] (₹307 crore),[89] a record for an Indian film and surpassing the first-week gross of Avatar (2009) in China.[142] On its second Friday, new Hollywood release Maze Runner: The Death Cure took the top spot, before Secret Superstar regained the top spot on Sunday,[143] grossing $20 million in its second weekend.[144] It crossed the ₹400 crore milestone within nine days,[145] and beat Maze Runner[146][147] to top the weekly box office[148][149] with $41 million,[150] giving a cume of $70 million[150] grossed in ten days by 28 January 2018, compared to Dangal which grossed ₹417 crore (US$64.03 million) in two weeks.[151] Secret Superstar grossed $77 million in 13 days, surpassing the lifetime China gross of Dwayne Johnson starrer Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle[152] to become China's highest-grossing foreign film in the first quarter of 2018.[69][153] In two weeks, Secret Superstar grossed $80 million.[154]

It topped the box office again in its third weekend with $12 million,[155] beating seven new releases,[38] including Hugh Jackman starrer The Greatest Showman, Chinese films Till the End of The World and Boonie Bears: The Big Shrink, and Japanese film Miracles of the Namiya General Store.[156] Secret Superstar also topped the weekly chart again with $26 million, giving a cume of $96 million grossed in 17 days by 4 February 2018.[157] The film remained at the top of the box office in its fourth weekend with $8.7 million,[158] and it topped the weekly box office again with $19 million.[159] As of 18 February 2018, the film's China gross is $124.4 million[160] (₹810 crore),[89] from an audience of 25 million viewers.[160] It was China's third-highest-grossing film in the first quarter of 2018, behind only two domestic productions,[72] and one of the top 70 highest-grossing films ever in China.[73] It also surpassed Japanese anime film Your Name to become the second-highest-grossing non-English foreign film ever in China,[161] after Dangal, and the third-highest-grossing non-English foreign film in any market, after Dangal in China and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) in North America.[74][162] Secret Superstar was also the highest-grossing foreign film in China during the first quarter of 2018, ahead of Hollywood films including Black Panther, Pacific Rim: Uprising, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Tomb Raider, Maze Runner: The Death Cure and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.[163][164]

Hong Kong

[edit]

In Hong Kong, the film's preview gross by 5 April 2018 was HK$1,321,332, equivalent to ₹1.09 crore (US$159,381.19).[165] By 8 April 2018, the film's preview gross was HK$2,6666666261, equivalent to ₹1.78 crore (US$260,273.87),[166] debuting at number four at the weekly box office from previews.[167] On its opening day, 12 April 2018, the film's gross was HK$2,742,482, equivalent to ₹2.28 crore (US$333,384.51).[168] On its second day, the film's gross was HK$3,247,799, equivalent to ₹2.7 crore (US$394,797.45).[169] On its third day, the film's gross was HK$4,163,243, equivalent to ₹3.46 crore (US$505,925.62).[170]

In four days, the film grossed HK$6,059,989, equivalent to ₹5.07 crore (US$741,341.87).[171] In ten days, the film grossed HK$8,953,60, equivalent to ₹7.56 crore (US$1.11 million).[172] In 12 days, the film grossed HK$9.07 million,[173] equivalent to ₹7.62 crore (US$1.11 million).[85] By its third week, the film had grossed HK$11,470,497, equivalent to ₹9.75 crore (US$1.43 million).[174] By its fourth week, the film had grossed HK$12,016,153, equivalent to ₹10.23 crore (US$1.5 million).[175] In 26 days, as of 6 May 2018, the film grossed HK$12.25 million,[176] equivalent to ₹10.3 crore (US$1.51 million).[85] As of 7 September 2018, the film grossed HK$14 million,[84] equivalent to US$1,801,802 (₹118 million).[85]

Critical reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 13 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.1/10.[177] Mike McCahill of The Guardian gave the film a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and praised the film by saying that "This is first-class entertainment, the best imaginable antidote to the toxicity presently leaking out of western movie circles."[178] Meena Iyer of The Times of India gave the film a rating of 4 stars out of 5 and said that, "If your world revolves around your mother, you're going to root for this film."[179]

Rajeev Masand gave the film a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 describing it as "an inspiring journey towards empowerment, a case for pursuing one's passion against all odds, a testament to the deep mother-daughter bond, and a convincing depiction of teenage years." He praised the performances of the actors with a special mention for the lead actress Zaira Wasim saying "Standing tall amidst a pitch-perfect ensemble, is Zaira Wasim as Insiya, who comes off as something of an old soul trapped in a teenager's body. Wise beyond her years, she is riveting on screen, in the manner in which she appears to sing using her entire being, or the little moments of crushing disappointment and excitement that are reflected on the canvas that is her expressive face."[180]

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV said Secret Superstar "is a bit like an over-enthusiastic child gifted a new bicycle. It never takes the foot off the pedal. The overlong film could have done with more restraint. It frequently seems to get carried away by the urge not to miss any trick in the book." However, he praised the performances of its actors, saying, "Zaira is an absolute treat—a bundle of miracles! As for the wonderful Meher Vij, one can only ask: where was she all these years? We hope to see more of her on the big screen." He concluded that "Secret Superstar is a winner notwithstanding the bumps along the way."[181] Raja Sen of NDTV gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and said, "Aamir Khan has a blast in this sweet and simple film about a young girl who dares to dream."[182]

Rohit Vats of Hindustan Times gave the film a rating of 3 stars out of 5. He highlighted the positive aspects of the film saying that, "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." and the negative aspect of the film as well saying that, "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."[183]

Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express praised the acting performances and the first half of the movie saying that, "The biggest strength of Secret Superstar is the wonderful Wasim who was also in Dangal. Both Vij as the mother and Arjun as the father are terrific, especially the latter, who doesn't put a foot wrong." but she wasn't impressed with the second half of the film and said that, "The second half slides. The confidence that the narrative shows in the beginning begins to waver as it includes contrivances and predictable curves." She gave the film a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5.[184]

In China, the film also received critical acclaim.[70] Chinese newspaper People's Daily, for example, praised the film for "touching the soul".[142] In Hong Kong, Nicola Chan of South China Morning Post rated the film 4 out of 5 stars. She called it a "crowd-pleaser that explores the sacred mother-daughter bond" and praised the performances of Khan, Wasim and Vij.[185] Richard James Havis of South China Morning Post also rated it 4 out of 5 stars. He called it "a tough story about domestic abuse and female empowerment" and noted "India's energetic and freewheeling style of cinema can offer a new way of telling a story," such as the "idea of having Insia – who does not usually wear a burka – don the garment to disguise herself when she performs on YouTube is very clever, in the sense it's a reasonable way for her to solve her problem of anonymity."[186]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Date of ceremony Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref
16 November 2017 National Child Awards Exceptional Achievement Zaira Wasim (also for Dangal) Won [187]
4 December 2017 Screen Awards Most Promising Newcomer – Female Zaira Wasim (also for Dangal) Won
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female Meher Vij (jointly with Neha Dhupia for Tumhari Sulu)
Most Promising Debut Director Advait Chandan Nominated
30 December 2017 Zee Cine Awards Best Actor – Female (Viewer's Choice) Zaira Wasim Nominated [188]
Best Actor – Female (Jury's Choice)
Best Film (Viewer's Choice) Secret Superstar Nominated
Best Film (Jury's Choice)
Best Writing Advait Chandan Nominated
Best Director
Most Promising Director Advait Chandan Won
Best Music Director Amit Trivedi
Best Actress in Supporting Role Meher Vij
Best Actor in a Negative Role Raj Arjun
Best Playback Singer – Female Meghna Mishra (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon") Nominated
Best Lyricist Kausar Munir (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon")
20 January 2018 Filmfare Awards Best Film Secret Superstar Nominated [189][190]
Best Director Advait Chandan Nominated
Best Screenplay
Best Actress Zaira Wasim Nominated
Best Actress (Critics) Zaira Wasim Won
Best Supporting Actor Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Meher Vij Won
Best Playback Singer – Female Meghna Mishra (for the song "Nachdi Phira")
Best Music Album Amit Trivedi Nominated
Best Lyrics Kausar Munir (for the song "Nachdi Phira")
24 January 2018 Lions Gold Awards Best Supporting Actor (Male/Female) Meher Vij Won [191]
28 January 2018 Mirchi Music Awards Upcoming Female Vocalist of The Year Meghna Mishra (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon") Won [192][193][194]
Meghna Mishra (for the song "Meri Pyaari Ammi") Nominated
Meghna Mishra (for the song "Nachdi Phira") Nominated
Album of The Year Amit Trivedi, Kausar Munir Nominated
6 March 2018 Bollywood Film Journalists Awards Best Supporting Actress Meher Vij Won [195]
Best Male Debut Tirth Sharma Won
Best Music Director Amit Trivedi Won
Best Playback Singer – Female Meghna Mishra (for the song "Nachdi Phira") Won
Meghna Mishra (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon") Won
Best Lyrics Kausar Munir (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon") Won
20 March 2018 News18 Reel Movie Awards Best Supporting Actress Meher Vij Won [196]
Best Playback Singer – Female Meghna Mishra (for the song "Nachdi Phira") Won
Best Actress Zaira Wasim Nominated [197][198]
Best Screenplay Advait Chandan Nominated
Best Sound Amit Trivedi Nominated
22 June 2018 International Indian Film Academy Awards Best Playback Singer – Female Meghna Mishra (for the song "Main Kaun Hoon") Won [199][200]
Best Actress Zaira Wasim Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Meher Vij Won
10 August 2018 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Best Film Secret Superstar Nominated [201]
Best Director Advait Chandan Nominated
Best Actress Zaira Wasim Nominated
Best Supporting Performance (Male/Female) Meher Vij Nominated

Impact

[edit]

Secret Superstar's strong opening in China was helped by Aamir Khan's significant following in the country, along with strong word-of-mouth, influenced by high audience ratings of 9.6 out of 10 on Maoyan and 8.2 out of 10 on Douban.[24] The film was also trending on Chinese social media platforms, including WeChat and Douban,[202] and dominated discussions on Sina Weibo.[142] Along with Khan, audiences also recognised Zaira Wasim from Dangal.[202] The film's strong opening weekend cemented Aamir Khan's status as a superstar in China,[142] and as "a king of the Chinese box office".[129] Aamir Khan's earnings for Secret Superstar from the China box office is estimated to be ₹190 crore (US$27.78 million),[203] higher than what any other Indian actor-producer has ever earned from a film.[204] The film has increased Aamir Khan's China box office total to $346.5 million (₹2,231 crore).[203]

The film, along with previous Aamir Khan successes such as Dangal, has driven up the buyout prices of Indian film imports for Chinese distributors.[205] The success of Dangal and Secret Superstar contributed towards Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) securing a wide release in China,[206] along with Irrfan Khan's Hindi Medium (2017) getting a release in the country.[69]

As with previous Aamir Khan films such as 3 Idiots and Dangal, Secret Superstar's social themes such as feminism and domestic violence are universal issues that resonated with Chinese audiences,[119] many of whom could relate to the film's themes.[207] According to Maoyan, the film's audiences were about 57% female and 43% male, and the majority were in the 20–34 age group.[208] Secret Superstar has reportedly influenced an increase in Chinese women calling police for help with domestic violence.[209]

Secret Superstar contributed towards the Chinese market's growth in early 2018, along with domestic productions. Secret Superstar's gross dwarfed every Hollywood film released in the first two months, including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.[153][210] Secret Superstar also contributed towards China setting the record for the highest-grossing month ever in any territory during February 2018, when Secret Superstar (rather than Hollywood) was the strongest foreign presence among several dominant domestic Chinese New Year productions.[211]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Secret Superstar

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from Grokipedia
is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language musical drama film directed by in his directorial debut. The story centers on Insia Malik, a 15-year-old girl from a conservative Muslim family in , who secretly pursues her passion for singing by uploading videos to while concealing her identity with a , amid domestic abuse from her authoritarian father. Starring as Insia, as her supportive mother, and as the eccentric music director Shakti Kumar who mentors her, the film highlights themes of female empowerment, familial conflict, and the role of in bypassing traditional barriers. Produced by and under Aamir Khan Productions with a budget of approximately ₹15 , it features music composed by . Despite modest expectations in , where it earned ₹63 crore nett, Secret Superstar achieved extraordinary commercial success internationally, particularly in , where it grossed over US$120 million and became one of the highest-grossing foreign films in that market, propelled by Aamir Khan's established popularity from prior releases like Dangal. The film's total worldwide gross exceeded US$150 million, marking it as one of the most profitable Indian films relative to its production costs. Critically, it garnered praise for Wasim's authentic portrayal and its unflinching depiction of patriarchal oppression, earning her the Critics Award for among other accolades.

Synopsis and themes

Plot summary

Insia Malik, a 15-year-old girl from , , aspires to become a professional singer but faces opposition from her strict, conservative father, Farooq, who prohibits music in the household and enforces traditional gender roles. Her mother, Nooran, endures physical abuse from Farooq and secretly supports Insia's dreams by purchasing a , enabling Insia to record and upload singing videos to while concealing her identity under a as "Secret Superstar". With help from her school friend Nahid, the videos gain viral popularity, drawing the interest of Shakti Kumar, a flamboyant but down-on-his-luck music producer who recognizes her talent and proposes producing a full album anonymously. To record the album, Insia temporarily runs away from home, but Farooq discovers the laptop, destroys her guitar, and beats Nooran, escalating tensions by announcing a family relocation to Saudi Arabia and arranging Insia's marriage to curtail her ambitions. Shakti arranges for Insia to meet a divorce lawyer, but Nooran initially refuses to leave the marriage despite the abuse. At the airport en route to Saudi Arabia, after Farooq discards Insia's broken guitar, Nooran signs the divorce papers, abandons Farooq, and accompanies Insia to , where Insia performs live and wins a singing award, fulfilling her dream while escaping patriarchal constraints.

Central themes and messaging

The film Secret Superstar centers on the Insia Malik's aspiration to become a singer despite restrictive circumstances, emphasizing the tension between ambition and patriarchal control in a conservative Muslim household. Insia's covert upload of songs online under the "Superstar" highlights themes of hidden talent and self-expression as means of escape from , portraying music as a for personal agency amid societal and familial barriers. This narrative underscores the causal link between suppressed creativity and emotional resilience, where anonymity enables Insia to challenge norms without immediate repercussions. Domestic violence emerges as a core theme, illustrated through the father's physical and of his wife Najma and emotional of Insia, which perpetuates a cycle of fear and submission tied to economic dependence. The story realistically depicts how such erodes family bonds and stifles female potential, with Najma's eventual support for Insia's dreams marking a shift toward breaking this cycle via quiet defiance rather than confrontation. Critics note the film's portrayal avoids , instead grounding the in everyday patriarchal dynamics prevalent in certain Indian communities, prompting reflection on tolerance of across education levels. Broader messaging addresses empowerment through talent and maternal solidarity, rejecting passive victimhood in favor of proactive risk-taking, as Insia leverages her for concealment to pursue opportunities. The mother-daughter relationship serves as a counter to patriarchal dominance, illustrating how intergenerational support can foster without direct . While some analyses critique the film's blend of realism and wish-fulfillment—such as Insia's rapid success—as softening harsh social realities like female subjugation, the overall intent promotes recognizing and nurturing innate abilities to overcome systemic constraints.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

Zaira Wasim stars as Insia "Insu" Malik, a 15-year-old girl from a conservative Muslim family in who secretly pursues her passion for singing by uploading videos to while veiled to conceal her identity, facing opposition from her abusive father but supported by her mother. Her performance marked a breakthrough following her debut in Dangal (2016), earning praise for capturing the character's determination and vulnerability. Meher Vij portrays Najma Malik, Insia's mother, who endures from her husband yet quietly encourages her daughter's musical ambitions, representing quiet resilience amid familial oppression. Vij's depiction of the role, balancing victimhood with maternal strength, contributed to the film's exploration of domestic constraints on women. plays Shakti Kumar, a flamboyant, once-successful whose career has declined, who discovers Insia's anonymous videos online and offers mentorship, appearing in limited but pivotal scenes that add and guidance to the narrative. Khan prepared for the eccentric character through , delivering a performance noted for its humor and unpredictability despite comprising about 20 minutes of screen time.

Supporting roles

Meher Vij portrays Najma Malik, Insia's mother, who faces from her husband but covertly supports her daughter's secret pursuit of music by providing resources like a to conceal her identity during video recordings. Her performance earned nominations for Best Supporting Actress at awards including the in 2018. Raj Arjun plays Farookh Malik, Insia's domineering father and a failed wrestler who enforces traditional roles, banning music in the home, physically disciplining family members, and pressuring Insia to prioritize over or aspirations. His portrayal highlights patriarchal control in conservative Muslim households, drawing from real societal dynamics observed in . Tirth Sharma depicts Guddu (also referred to as Chintan in some credits), Insia's younger brother, who admires her talent and assists in her clandestine efforts to upload videos online, offering comic relief and emotional solidarity within the strained family unit. Farrukh Jaffar appears as Badi Appa, the family matriarch and Insia's grandmother, providing occasional guidance and representing generational continuity in the household dynamics.

Cameo appearances

Aamir Khan portrays Shakti Kumar, a eccentric music producer and mentor figure who plays a pivotal role in advancing the protagonist's career, in an extended special appearance. His involvement was announced as a cameo during pre-production, with Khan completing his scenes over 15 days of shooting. Despite the limited duration, the character's introduction early in the narrative and recurring influence underscore its narrative weight, distinguishing it from typical brief cameos. Playback singer Shaan appears as himself in a brief music industry sequence, lending authenticity to the film's depiction of the entertainment world. Similarly, features in a cameo as herself, contributing to scenes involving musical performance and recognition. These appearances by real-life artists enhance the realism of the protagonist's journey toward stardom without overshadowing the central narrative.

Production

Development and pre-production

conceived the core idea for Secret Superstar during research for the first season of Aamir Khan's television program Satyamev Jayate in 2012, influenced by episodes showcasing ordinary individuals defying constraints to achieve ambitions, including a milkman's son who trained as a golf champion via and a woman supported by her daughter to become a driver. These narratives expanded Chandan's view of heroism beyond traditional molds, leading him to explore how the could empower a middle-class Muslim girl in a conservative family to pursue singing anonymously online, drawing further from Khan's observations on societal realities and digital opportunities. While working as Khan's manager, Chandan developed the script over several years, initially framing it as an urban before refining it into the final mother-daughter story set in small-town , written in fragmented sessions such as during long flights. He first pitched a summary to , who encouraged completion of the full script, which was finalized and narrated to Khan prior to the December 2014 release of PK. The extended timeline of approximately four and a half years stemmed from Chandan's divided attention due to managerial responsibilities and scheduling conflicts with Khan's projects, including PK and Dangal. Other production houses declined support owing to the script's focus on a debutant director and non-star lead, prompting Productions—co-headed by Khan and Rao—to back the film, with Khan taking a key acting role. encompassed casting, including selecting for the lead after her Dangal performance, and preparations in and , culminating in starting in September 2016 following Dangal's wrap.

Casting process

The casting for Secret Superstar emphasized finding actors who could authentically portray emotional depth and musical talent, with over 5,000 girls auditioning for the lead role of Insia Malik. Director Advait Chandan identified Zaira Wasim as ideal early in pre-production, meeting her prior to her debut in Dangal (2016), and actively sought to secure her by urging producer Aamir Khan and Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari to cast another actress in that film instead. Despite these efforts, Wasim committed to Dangal, prompting a six-to-seven-month delay in Secret Superstar's filming to accommodate her availability, as Chandan deemed her irreplaceable for the role requiring both acting nuance and singing proficiency. Post-Dangal, Aamir Khan recommended Wasim for Insia after reviewing her performance, though she underwent rigorous testing to confirm suitability, including at least three audition rounds: an initial screen, a test shoot, and sessions evaluating chemistry with co-stars like Tirth Sharma (as brother Chintan) and Meher Vij (as mother Najma). Her selection hinged on demonstrated acting skill, natural emotional range, and vocal ability—critical for scenes involving guitar-playing and singing—despite minimal prior musical training, which was supplemented lightly during preparation. Casting director Abhishek Banerjee, via Casting Bay, described Wasim and Sharma as "rare finds," highlighting the challenge of sourcing young actors blending innocence with maturity for the sibling dynamic amid family conflict. Supporting roles followed standard industry auditions, with cast as the antagonistic father Farookh after evaluations for intensity, and selected for the resilient mother Najma based on her ability to convey quiet strength. , as , opted for an extended supporting role as mentor Shakti Kumar, prioritizing narrative fit over lead billing, a decision informed by script readings rather than open . The process, overseen by Banerjee, prioritized empirical fit over star power, reflecting Khan's production philosophy of authenticity in newcomer-driven stories.

Filming and technical aspects

Principal photography for Secret Superstar took place primarily in , , with additional shooting in . The story's setting in the Akota locality of informed much of the on-location filming to capture authentic urban and residential environments. Filming began in September 2016, with completing his eight-day cameo schedule by 4 October 2016, during which he adopted a distinctive appearance featuring slicked-back hair, a trimmed beard, and colorful attire. was handled by , emphasizing grounded visuals to support the film's intimate, character-driven narrative. The production adhered to a modest scale, prioritizing practical locations over extensive post-production effects.

Soundtrack

Composition and release

The soundtrack of Secret Superstar consists of eight original songs composed by , with lyrics penned by . Recording took place between 2016 and 2017 at studios including A T Studios and YRF Studios in , as well as AM Studios in . The compositions blend contemporary pop elements with emotional ballads, reflecting the film's themes of aspiration and familial conflict, featuring primary vocals by 15-year-old newcomer on tracks such as "Main Kaun Hoon," "Meri Pyaari Ammi," and "Sapne Re." Additional singers include ("Parvar Digar"), ("Sexy Baliye"), and ("Gudgudi"). A notable aspect of the composition process involved Aamir Khan's direct input on "Main Kaun Hoon," where he collaborated with to refine the track's structure and thematic depth, emphasizing identity and self-discovery through iterative revisions. aimed for authenticity in capturing the protagonist's youthful voice, selecting after auditioning several candidates to match the raw, unpolished vocal style suited to the character's secretive online persona. The full soundtrack was released digitally on October 18, 2017, by , coinciding closely with the film's promotional buildup. Individual tracks were teased earlier, with "Nachdi Phira" made available as a single on October 6, 2017, to generate anticipation ahead of the film's theatrical debut. The 's distribution focused on streaming platforms like and , achieving rapid uptake due to the film's marketing tie-ins.

Critical reception of music

The soundtrack of Secret Superstar, composed by with lyrics by , garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who highlighted its emotional resonance and seamless alignment with the film's themes of aspiration and self-discovery. Reviewers noted that the album's eight tracks, featuring vocals from , , and others, effectively captured the innocence and struggles of the through folk-infused melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Critics frequently commended the debut performance of 15-year-old singer , whose renditions in tracks like "Main Kaun Hoon" and "Nana Re" were described as adding authenticity and freshness, elevating the album's appeal despite its conventional structure. Kausar Munir's lyrics were singled out for their poetic simplicity and cultural relevance, contributing to the soundtrack's likeability even if Trivedi's compositions were seen as solid rather than groundbreaking. Some assessments rated the album moderately, with scores around 3 to 3.5 out of 5, acknowledging its charm within the film's context but noting it lacked the innovation of Trivedi's prior works like or . Bollywood Hungama's Joginder Tuteja called it a "decent to good" effort suitable for situational listening rather than standalone hits, while others emphasized its role in enhancing the narrative without dominating it. Overall, the music was viewed as functional and endearing, bolstered by its narrative integration rather than chart-topping potential.

Release

Marketing and promotion

Aamir Khan spearheaded an elaborate promotional campaign for Secret Superstar, announcing on October 1, 2017, via his intent to prioritize it over other commitments, including halting shoots for until after . The strategy emphasized the film's low-budget origins and introduction of new talents, such as debutant director and singer , to underscore themes of hidden potential and aspiration. The official trailer launched on August 2, 2017, at an event in featuring Khan, , and , generating buzz through and theatrical teasers ahead of the October 19 release. Domestic efforts included a Navratri visit to Baroda by Khan and Chandan to spotlight Tirth , followed by a event on October 10, 2017, where Khan, Wasim, and Chandan engaged media and audiences. Pre-release screenings targeted influencers, such as one for BJP leader on October 14, 2017, and a preview on October 17, 2017. For international markets, particularly China where the film released on January 19, 2018, Khan, Wasim, and Chandan undertook a seven-day, seven-city tour starting January 13: Guangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenyang. This leveraged Khan's post-Dangal appeal to build anticipation in a market that had propelled Indian films to record earnings. Overall, the promotions avoided high-cost spectacles, relying instead on targeted events and Khan's personal involvement to align with the film's narrative restraint.

Theatrical rollout

Secret Superstar was released theatrically in on 19 October 2017, coinciding with the festival to target family audiences despite competition from other films. The release followed a postponement from an earlier planned date of 4 2017, allowing additional time for refinements. Aamir Khan Productions established a dedicated distribution arm to manage the rollout in , emphasizing a strategic approach focused on sustained performance rather than maximizing opening-day collections. The film launched simultaneously in select international markets on or around 19 October 2017, including the , , and . In the , it received a starting 20 October 2017. This phased international strategy prioritized key diaspora markets initially, with broader expansions planned based on early reception. Subsequent rollouts targeted high-potential territories; for instance, the film premiered in on 19 January 2018, securing a that capitalized on Aamir Khan's established popularity there from prior successes like Dangal. Later releases included the on 31 March 2018, extending the global theatrical window. This staggered approach allowed for localized marketing adjustments and avoided oversaturation in competitive markets.

Distribution challenges

In , Secret Superstar faced significant distribution hurdles due to the competitive Diwali release window on 19 October 2017, clashing with Ajay Devgn's action-comedy , which secured dominant multiplex screen allocations and appealed more broadly to mass audiences. This limited Secret Superstar's access to prime theaters, resulting in a subdued collection of ₹4.8 , the lowest for an Aamir Khan starrer since Dhobi Ghat in 2011. The film's emphasis on social themes like domestic abuse and a female protagonist, rather than high-octane action, may have contributed to exhibitor hesitancy in prioritizing screens amid 's multiplex-heavy ecosystem, where non-formulaic content often struggles for visibility. To mitigate risks from traditional distributors' potential reluctance—stemming from 's supporting role and the project's perceived niche appeal—Aamir Khan Productions established an in-house distribution arm in September 2017, appointing Prakhar Joshi to oversee operations specifically for Secret Superstar. This move allowed greater control over rollout strategy but highlighted broader structural issues, including India's inadequate screen density (approximately 10,000 screens for 1.3 billion people at the time), which constrains distribution for films not aligned with blockbuster formulas. Internationally, distribution challenges centered on penetrating regulated markets like , where strict quotas limited foreign imports. Secret Superstar overcame this by negotiating 's first revenue-sharing deal for an Indian film, bypassing flat-fee imports and enabling wider release starting 19 January 2018, though initial approvals required navigating cultural sensitivities around themes of family dynamics and gender roles. Despite these barriers, the strategy yielded over $100 million in alone, underscoring how targeted deals could address quota-induced obstacles.

Box office performance

Domestic earnings

Secret Superstar collected ₹4.80 nett on its opening day, Thursday, 19 October 2017. The film amassed ₹31.10 nett over its extended first weekend, spanning the initial four days. In its debut week, the domestic nett earnings reached ₹41.59 . Subsequent weeks saw declining collections, with the second week contributing ₹14.25 nett, the third ₹5.20 , and further weeks adding smaller amounts through Week 8. The lifetime domestic nett total stood at ₹63.40 , equivalent to a gross of ₹81.28 .
WeekNett Collection (₹ crore)
141.59
214.25
35.20
41.70
50.40
60.17
70.08
80.01
Total63.40

International markets

Secret Superstar achieved substantial success in international markets, primarily driven by its performance in , where it grossed over $100 million after three weeks of release starting January 19, 2018. The film debuted at number one in with a $27 million opening weekend, surpassing Hollywood releases like and . This marked it as the second-highest-grossing Indian film in , behind only Aamir Khan's prior release Dangal. Excluding , overseas earnings totaled approximately $11 million, reflecting modest but positive reception in regions such as the , , and parts of . In , the film earned around $900,000, contributing to early pre- international momentum. Markets like the and the saw openings in the low six figures, supported by the diaspora audience but limited broader appeal outside Khan's established fanbase in . The film's international totals underscored a stark disparity, with accounting for the vast majority—over 90%—of overseas revenue, highlighting Khan's unique draw in that market amid regulatory quotas favoring select foreign imports. This performance elevated Secret Superstar to one of the top-grossing Indian films abroad, though its success outside remained niche compared to domestic Bollywood hits.

Factors influencing success

The box office success of Secret Superstar was primarily propelled by its exceptional performance in China, where it grossed over US$123 million, accounting for the majority of its worldwide total of approximately ₹965 crore on a budget of ₹15 crore. This contrasted with its more modest domestic Indian earnings of around ₹83 crore, influenced by a slow initial opening of ₹4.8 crore on the first day, the lowest for an Aamir Khan-starring film since Dhobi Ghat in 2011. Key to the Chinese triumph was Aamir Khan's preexisting stardom there, built on Dangal's record-breaking US$216 million haul in 2017, which established him as a major draw for emotional, family-centric narratives. A significant factor was the film's thematic resonance with Chinese audiences, featuring a young Muslim girl's pursuit of dreams amid familial —a story echoing universal struggles of aspiration and that aligned with China's preference for heartfelt, relatable dramas over action-heavy fare. Khan attributed this appeal to cultural similarities in between Indian and Chinese storytelling, enabling the narrative to "touch hearts" despite linguistic barriers, bolstered by strong and a high 8.0 rating on . The repeat casting of from Dangal further leveraged familiarity, while the film's status as the first Indian movie to secure a revenue-sharing release under China's amplified its promotional visibility and potential. In , success hinged on word-of-mouth momentum overcoming the heavy subject matter's initial deterrence from mass appeal, though it never matched the explosive openings of Khan's prior hits like Dangal. Overall profitability was magnified by the low-budget model, yielding one of the highest returns in Indian cinema history, with analysts crediting Khan's strategic production choices and international market foresight.

Critical and audience reception

Indian reviews

Indian critics responded to Secret Superstar with generally positive but tempered reviews following its theatrical release on 19 October 2017, highlighting strong performances amid critiques of sentimentality and narrative predictability. Meena Iyer of The Times of India rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising Aamir Khan as a scene-stealer in his supporting role, Zaira Wasim's engaging lead performance, and Amit Trivedi's melodic score, while suggesting the lyrics fell short of the compositions' potential. Rohit Vats in Hindustan Times assigned 3 out of 5 stars, noting the story's over-dramatic execution but crediting it for eliciting both laughter and tears through Khan's and Wasim's portrayals, though faulting the script for lacking exceptional storytelling depth. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express offered a more reserved 2.5 out of 5 stars, critiquing the film's uneven blend of empowerment themes and emotional excess. Outlets like Rediff commended Wasim's "absolute wonder" as the aspiring singer Insia, emphasizing her nuanced depiction of youthful defiance against familial oppression as a standout element in director Advait Chandan's debut. Bollywood celebrities, including peers of producer-star , lauded it as one of 2017's strongest films for its heartfelt exploration of constraints and artistic ambition. Some audience feedback echoed critical divides, with viewers appreciating and message but questioning the marketing's "feel-good" framing against graphic sequences.

Global reception

Secret Superstar garnered a 92% approval rating on from 13 international critic reviews, reflecting broad praise for its emotional depth and portrayal of female empowerment amid patriarchal constraints. Critics in Western outlets highlighted the film's heartfelt narrative and strong performances, particularly Zaira Wasim's depiction of a aspiring singer defying familial . The described it as an "excellent film" that effectively captures the tension between tradition and ambition through fame, though noting the unexpected intensity of scenes. Conversely, critiqued its overambition, arguing that the story "unravels" by attempting to address multiple social issues simultaneously, diluting its core premise despite a compelling start. In , where the film achieved unprecedented commercial success, audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with a 9.6/10 rating on Maoyan and 8.0/10 on , drawing over 25 million viewers. Themes of maternal sacrifice, pursuit of dreams against adversity, and subtle critiques of oppressive family dynamics resonated deeply, contrasting with more mixed domestic Indian responses that sometimes viewed the as excessively graphic for a mainstream drama. awarded it 4/5 stars, commending its blend of Bollywood elements like songs and dances with universal appeal, which contributed to its status as one of the highest-grossing Indian films abroad. Audience scores elsewhere aligned with critical sentiment, including an 87% approval on aggregated platforms and a 7.7/10 on from over 31,000 global users, praising its inspirational message while some noted formulaic . The film's limited theatrical rollout in markets like the , , and UAE still yielded positive word-of-mouth, with brisk business in the Gulf region underscoring its cross-cultural draw on themes of resilience.

Viewpoint diversity and debates

The film has elicited debates over its depiction of conservative Muslim family dynamics, with some critics arguing it reinforces negative stereotypes of Muslim men as patriarchal oppressors, exemplified by the protagonist Insia's abusive father who enforces traditional gender roles and . This portrayal drew accusations of distorting Muslim identity in Bollywood, particularly as the father's is tied to religious and cultural norms, including opposition to his daughter's singing ambitions. In contrast, defenders, including film reviewers, praised the narrative for realistically highlighting causal links between unchecked patriarchal authority and women's suppression within certain Muslim households, without broader indictments of itself. Online discussions, such as on and , noted perceived inconsistencies in public backlash, observing that similar critiques of Hindu traditions in other Bollywood films provoke greater outrage, while Secret Superstar's focus on intra-family faced minimal organized . Feminist analyses have varied, with academic works commending the film for challenging by centering Muslim women—Insia and her mother—as agents of change who prioritize personal aspirations over familial obedience, thereby rethinking Bollywood's ideology of female passivity. Supporters highlight the mother-daughter alliance as a model of resilience against male dominance, evidenced by the mother's eventual support for Insia's uploads despite risks. However, some critiques argue the resolution relies on escapist fantasy—Insia's viral success and family reconciliation—rather than structural confrontation of systemic barriers, potentially undermining deeper feminist causality in real-world conservative settings. The use of the as a tool for anonymous added layers, praised by some for subverting veiling norms but critiqued by others for inadvertently glamorizing concealment over open defiance. A significant post-release debate emerged from lead actress Zaira Wasim's 2019 announcement quitting acting, stating her career interfered with Islamic practices, which ironicized the film's theme of defying conservative restrictions for self-expression. This sparked polarized reactions: supporters viewed it as authentic prioritization of religious conviction over fame, aligning with the film's undertones of 's role in , while detractors, including secular commentators, decried it as internalized contradicting Secret Superstar's message, fueling broader discussions on 's compatibility with artistic pursuits in Muslim contexts. Media coverage, often from outlets with progressive leanings, emphasized narratives but underplayed tensions between individual agency and doctrinal adherence, highlighting selective framing in such reporting.

Awards and recognition

Major accolades

Secret Superstar garnered significant recognition at the in 2018, securing three wins for performances and music: Best Actress (Critics) for Zaira Wasim's portrayal of the aspiring singer Insia Malik, Best Supporting Actress for Meher Vij's role as the supportive mother Najma, and Best Female for Meghna Mishra's vocal performance on the song "Nayi Mohabbat Hai". Zaira Wasim received the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement from President on November 14, 2017, honoring her contribution to the film as a child artist depicting themes of empowerment and familial conflict. The production also earned accolades at the Producers Guild Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Actress for Wasim, underscoring its critical appreciation for storytelling centered on female resilience within conservative social structures.

Nominations and controversies

Secret Superstar received 10 nominations at the 63rd Filmfare Awards in 2018, the highest for any film that year, spanning categories such as Best Film, Best Director for Advait Chandan, Best Actress for Zaira Wasim, Best Supporting Actor for Aamir Khan, Best Supporting Actress for Meher Vij, Best Music Director for Amit Trivedi, Best Lyrics for "Meri Pyaari" by Kausar Munir, Best Playback Singer (Female) for Meghna Mishra ("Meri Pyaari"), Best Choreography for "Sexy Baliye," and Best Cinematography. The film also earned nominations at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for both Zaira Wasim and Meher Vij. At the , announced in 2017 but pertaining to the film's content, was recognized separately through the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, presented by President on November 16, 2017, for her portrayal of Insia, though this was not a standard film category nomination. Controversies surrounding the film primarily involved its lead actress . On December 10, 2017, amid the film's promotional phase and success, Wasim publicly alleged via an Instagram video that she had been sexually molested by a fellow passenger on an Air Vistara flight from to two days prior; she described the man placing his hand on her leg under a , prompting her to slap him and alert the crew. The incident drew widespread media coverage and condemnation, with expressing support and calling for better safety measures for women. Air Vistara issued an apology and conducted an internal probe, but the perpetrator's identity remained undisclosed, and no legal charges were publicly reported. This event highlighted vulnerabilities faced by young female celebrities but did not directly impact award nominations. Some online discourse criticized the film's depiction of domestic abuse within a Muslim family as reinforcing stereotypes of patriarchal oppression in Islamic households, though such views were anecdotal and lacked organized backlash.

Legacy and impact

Commercial legacy in China

Secret Superstar achieved extraordinary commercial success in following its release on January 19, 2018, grossing over $109 million at the , which significantly outpaced its domestic Indian earnings of approximately $15 million. The film opened with $27 million on its debut weekend, topping the Chinese and surpassing Hollywood releases like and . By early February 2018, it had accumulated $117.61 million (equivalent to ₹750.69 at the time), with presales alone reaching $9.9 million prior to launch. This performance marked Secret Superstar as the second-highest-grossing Indian film in at the time, trailing only Dangal (2016), and it became the highest-grossing imported film for February 2018 despite screening for just 18 days that month. The film's appeal stemmed from its narrative of personal aspiration and family dynamics, which resonated with Chinese audiences, amplified by Aamir Khan's established popularity from prior hits like Dangal. In one week, it earned $40.4 million, pushing its 10-day total to $69.6 million. Commercially, the film's China run generated substantial royalties for Khan, reportedly exceeding those from Dangal's $190 million haul due to backend profit-sharing arrangements. It blazed a trail for Indian cinema by securing a nationwide release, the first of its kind for a Bollywood without Khan's direct lead , fostering greater distributor interest in story-driven Indian content. This success contributed to 's record-breaking annual in and elevated Khan's status as a key exporter of Indian films, though later Bollywood releases like (2019) underperformed, indicating the hit's reliance on Khan's brand rather than a broad Bollywood surge.

Cultural and social influence

The film Secret Superstar addresses patriarchal constraints on female ambition within a conservative Muslim family in , depicting the protagonist's clandestine pursuit of a singing career despite her father's opposition and the broader societal emphasis on early for girls. This narrative underscores domestic and the empowering role of maternal support in fostering , prompting viewer reflection on abusive household dynamics in male-dominated contexts. By centering a young girl's defiance through talent and resilience—rather than overt rebellion—the story promotes and the girl child's potential, aligning with director Aamir Khan's stated intent to showcase female protagonists as heroes capable of transcending familial and cultural barriers. In Bollywood's evolving landscape, it exemplifies a trend toward portraying Muslim women as active decision-makers, countering stereotypes of passivity and integrating themes of self-determination without framing religious identity as a primary conflict. In , where the film grossed over $170 million and outperformed many local productions, its exploration of familial oppression and personal aspiration resonated with audiences navigating similar patriarchal pressures, fostering appreciation for Indian cinema's . This success elevated as a conduit for India's , drawing parallels to Rabindranath Tagore's historical cultural influence and introducing Chinese viewers to narratives of individual agency amid tradition.

Post-release developments and criticisms

In December 2017, lead actress publicly alleged she was sexually molested by a fellow passenger on a flight from to , an incident she detailed in a video on , underscoring the personal vulnerabilities that accompanied her rising fame from the film. In June 2019, Wasim announced her exit from the film industry, stating that her career in had created a "conflict" with her religious faith and was pulling her away from , prompting her to prioritize spiritual devotion over professional pursuits. This decision elicited polarized responses: supporters, including some conservative Muslim voices, commended her for upholding personal convictions against secular pressures, while critics, often from liberal circles, decried it as a retreat into that contradicted the film's narrative of defying familial and cultural restrictions to chase ambitions. The irony was widely noted, as Wasim's character in Secret Superstar covertly pursued musical dreams in opposition to her conservative father's edicts, yet Wasim herself chose conformity to faith over continued stardom following the film's success. Post-release analyses critiqued the film's handling of patriarchal dynamics as manipulative and formulaic, with some reviewers arguing it relied on sentimental tropes to address domestic abuse without deeper structural insight into cultural causation. Others questioned whether the depiction of an authoritarian Muslim father—portrayed as physically abusive and restrictive toward his wife and daughter's aspirations—perpetuated of intra-community , though proponents countered that the story targeted universal patriarchal control rather than religion-specific failings, evidenced by its broad in diverse audiences. These debates persisted in online forums, where selective outrage was highlighted: films critiquing Hindu customs often faced accusations of cultural attack, yet Secret Superstar's focus on a Muslim drew minimal similar backlash, attributed by some to Bollywood's uneven scrutiny of social issues.

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