The incredible journey of the film “Hichki,” featuring Rani Mukerji as a schoolteacher with Tourette Syndrome, began with Siddharth P Malhotra’s perseverance. Despite the lukewarm response to his debut film “We Are Family,” starring Kajol and Kareena Kapoor, Siddharth decided to embark on a project that truly resonated with his voice. His second film, he knew, had to be a pivotal moment not only for his career but also for filmmaking at large.
At a particularly tough point in his life, Siddharth found inspiration from his younger uncle Raaj Mehta and his cousin Rishi, who introduced him to Brad Cohen’s “Front of the Class.” While a Hallmark movie adaptation also existed, Siddharth sought to add complexity to the story, specifically focusing on the emotional layers. The screenplay of “Hichki” began to take shape with the help of writers Ganesh Pandit, Ambar Grab, and Raju, incorporating elements from an earlier project titled “Class 9,” including the iconic class 9F.
Despite the compelling script, realizing the vision took seven arduous years. Siddharth encountered skepticism from producers and male actors, who doubted the project’s viability or required a larger studio’s backing. Among these setbacks, even Dharma Productions, following “We Are Family,” chose to pass on the film. Siddharth, disheartened, reached a point where his wife suggested approaching Aditya Chopra, a prospect he cynically dismissed.
In a surprising turn of events, Ashish Patel from Yash Raj Films became a catalyst for change. Enthralled by the storyline, Ashish facilitated a meeting with Aditya Chopra. Siddharth’s fervor during the narration impressed Aditya, who saw potential in the film despite having not seen Siddharth’s last work. Delegating the project to Maneesh Sharma, Aditya set the wheels in motion.
The transformative suggestion from Aditya and Maneesh was to change the protagonist from male to female, preserving the story’s essence while aligning it more effectively with Rani Mukerji’s established talent. As fate would have it, Rani Mukerji, after the birth of her daughter Adira, connected deeply with the script. Her involvement brought a nuanced, compelling depth to the schoolteacher role in “Hichki,” becoming Siddharth’s greatest collaborator and visionary partner.
An actor of extraordinary capability, Rani Mukerji elevated “Hichki” beyond expectations. Her contribution, along with the outstanding support from cinematographer Avinash Arun, who maintained a lifelong camaraderie with Siddharth, fortified the film’s emotional and narrative integrity. Rani’s performance vividly portrayed the struggles and triumphs of living with Tourette Syndrome, resonating powerfully with audiences.
“Hichki” stands as Siddharth P Malhotra’s most vital film, a testament to his resolve and singular vision as a filmmaker. Its success placed him firmly as an auteur, whose voice now commands attention in the industry, supported by his unwavering team and family. Aditya Chopra and Maneesh Sharma’s belief in the project and empowerment of Siddharth to tell his story illustratively culminate in a shared victory that echoes through each frame of the film.
Looking toward the future, Siddharth feels exceedingly grateful for the continued support from YRF and his audience. With his next project, “Maharaj,” on the horizon, Siddharth is poised to delve into more stories that resonate deeply, driven by the foundational experience of creating “Hichki” alongside Rani Mukerji.
The journey of Hichki’s creation, marked by Rani Mukerji’s pivotal involvement, serves as an inspiring narrative for budding filmmakers, emphasizing dedication, partnership, and the creative conviction in following one’s artistic vision no matter the length of the road traveled.
