Did You Know Rani Mukerji’s Hichki Was Initially Written for a Male Actor? Director Siddharth P Malhotra Was Called ‘Mad’ for Making It
The 2018 film Hichki marked a significant milestone in Rani Mukerji’s illustrious career, proving to be a massive hit both in India and globally. The movie, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, resonated particularly well with audiences in China, where it performed remarkably at the box office. However, the journey to bringing Hichki to the screen was far from straightforward, and it came with its fair share of skepticism and challenges.
A Vision Met with Skepticism
Siddharth P Malhotra, who made his directorial debut with We Are Family in 2010, had long envisioned Hichki as his next project. Yet, the path to its realization was fraught with obstacles. In a recent interview with India Today, Malhotra revealed that many people called him ‘mad’ for pursuing the film. The primary reason for this skepticism was the film’s unconventional premise.
“The entire world told me you’re mad; it’s a non-commercial film without a hero, no romance angle, and a teacher who has Tourette’s Syndrome,” Malhotra shared. The industry viewed it as an art film, far removed from the commercial success formula typically sought in Bollywood. Despite this, Malhotra was resolute in his belief that Hichki had the potential to be a commercial hit.
The Turning Point: Aditya Chopra’s Insight
For nearly five years, Siddharth P Malhotra knocked on doors, seeking someone who shared his vision for Hichki. The turning point came when Aditya Chopra heard Malhotra’s narration of the film. Chopra’s reaction was pivotal: “You will make this film. Just one thing, change it from male to female.” This suggestion proved to be a game-changer.
The decision to cast a female lead brought Rani Mukerji into the project, marking her comeback to the big screen. The film, based on the book Front of the Class, tells the inspiring story of a teacher with Tourette’s Syndrome who overcomes significant personal and professional challenges.
A Triumph Against the Odds
Hichki not only defied the initial skepticism but also achieved immense success. The film’s global appeal, particularly in China, highlighted the universal nature of its message and story. Mukerji’s portrayal of Naina Mathur, a teacher who turns her so-called ‘weakness’ into her biggest strength, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
The success of Hichki also underscored the importance of diverse and inclusive storytelling in cinema. It showed that films focusing on unique narratives and social issues could achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success.
A Look at Siddharth P Malhotra’s Journey
Siddharth P Malhotra’s journey with Hichki is a testament to his perseverance and vision. Despite facing significant resistance and skepticism, he remained steadfast in his belief in the film’s potential. His ability to convince Aditya Chopra to back the project was a crucial turning point that ultimately led to the film’s success.
Interestingly, six years later, in 2024, Aditya Chopra again decided to bankroll Siddharth’s movie Maharaj, currently generating buzz on the internet. This historical drama, based on the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, marks the debut of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan and stars Sharvari, Shalini Pandey, and Jaideep Ahlawat in key roles.
The Need for a New Commercial Model in Cinema
In addition to his work on Hichki and Maharaj, Siddharth P Malhotra has also advocated for a profit-sharing model for actors in the industry. Addressing the ongoing commercial disbalance due to massive star fees, Malhotra acknowledged that the current budgets are not sustainable.
“If I think your budget for a film is correct and you give your stars a percentage of profit instead of signing them on huge amounts, maybe more films will be made,” Siddharth opined. This approach could potentially lead to more balanced budgets and the production of a greater variety of films.
The Legacy of Hichki
Hichki will be remembered not only for its commercial success but also for its impact on the industry and audiences. The film broke barriers and challenged norms, paving the way for more diverse stories to be told in Bollywood. It highlighted the importance of perseverance, belief in one’s vision, and the power of inclusive storytelling.
For Rani Mukerji, Hichki was a significant career milestone, reaffirming her status as one of Bollywood’s most talented and versatile actors. Her portrayal of Naina Mathur remains one of her most celebrated performances, earning her accolades and admiration from fans and critics alike.
Conclusion: A Film That Defied the Odds
Hichki is more than just a film; it is a symbol of resilience, belief, and the power of storytelling. Siddharth P Malhotra’s journey from being called ‘mad’ to creating a globally successful film is inspiring. It reminds us that true innovation often comes from challenging the status quo and believing in the unconventional.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, the success of films like Hichki serves as a beacon for filmmakers and actors. It shows that with the right vision and determination, even the most unlikely stories can find their place on the big screen and in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
