SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018 (PAGE 4) MOVIE­REVIEW PERSONALITY Simple and meaningful The man behind French in Jammu Rani Mukerji is all set to make a smashing comeback second half. Director Siddharth Malhotra has co-written Dr Vipul after over four years with yet another woman oriented the story and screenplay with Chaudhry, Ambar Hadap With his interest in writing and learning, Arun Shar- movie: HICHKI produced by Yash Raj Films and direct- and Ganesh Pandit. Though their intention was genuine, ma is working hard since a decade to propagate French ed by Siddharth P. Malhotra. Judging by its trailer, the they try too hard to somehow to drive the message home in Jammu. The dedication and sincerity of this French film gives out positive, feel good vibes as it is the story towards the end. lover is evident from the fact that he has written four about a teacher who turns her biggest weakness into her Director Siddharth P. Malhotra has done an earnest job books in French and is tirelessly teaching the language strength. Is the movie as good as it looks? Read on our full by creating heart-warming moments between Naina and in University of Jammu as a guest lecturer since years. review to find out. her students who slowly but surely come around to appre- The story of the HICHKI revolves around Naina Math- ciate their teacher’s efforts. Malhotra takes a simple sto- Arun Sharma is a dedicated teacher, writer, mentor ur (Rani Mukerji) and her earnest struggle to break into ry but keeps it engaging throughout and that speaks a lot and an aspiring memoirist and interestingly he is the first her dream career of teaching while battling Tourette’s syn- about his talent as a story-teller. person in the state who has written books in French lan- drome. After much trepidation and tussle with manage- What makes HICHKI a decent watch really is Rani guage. Born and raised in Jammu, he has dedicated his ment and Principal (Shiv Subramanium) of a fancy pub- Mukerji’s effervescent performance and the way she life to study, promotion and propagation of French lan- guage in the state. Working as a guest faculty of French language at University of Jammu for the last 11 years, he has contributed a lot to raise the standard of French lan- guage by providing his services to Basic and Advance courses at Department of Life Long Department, Univer- sity of Jammu and he has also taught as Guest Faculty of French Language at Central University of Jammu for four years. He has provided an ethical and ideal concept of service that is only found at top most levels of educa- tion. As an ideal mentor, he is not only credited with guid- ing students in the field of language but also inculcating the feeling of compassion and highest standards of hon- esty and personal integrity. Emboldened by the knowl- edge many students have been finding new employment the success of first book, he narrated three more books opportunities in the field. entitled, "French Phrases and Useful Words.", "Conju- gation" and "Solution key of Cours de Langue". Featur- Club is first of its kind in J&K and ing easy-to-follow vocabulary lists, along with complete instruction on written and spoken grammar designed for has been frequently organizing inquisitive students of French language provides a plat- short immersion courses in French, form for to hone their French skills. Mr. Sharma is known for his folksy charm and strong thus by providing a podium for moral character. To fulfil his dream of reaching every starta of society and imparting best education he found- students to find French teaching ed a Club named "French Language Club, Jammu" in the jobs in different schools and year 2010. Mr. Sharma is the founder as well as the pres- ident of the Club. The club has reached 500 members in Colleges in Jammu. a record time and this success was a direct result of hard work and dedication of Mr. Sharma. Club is first of its kind in J&K and has been frequently organizing short It was due to Mr Sharma's efforts that the French lic school, she lands a job as a shoulders the film immersion courses in French, thus by providing a podi- course at University of Jammu became popular and a teacher. The glitch here is that throughout with a um for students to find French teaching jobs in different Director Siddharth P. Malhotra has done large number of students started opting for it. The French she is given a class full of mis- renewed zest. Rani is schools and Colleges in Jammu. The Club has been coor- Club of Jammu formed by Arun Sharma has created so chief makers as students. The an earnest job by creating heart-warming likeable and inspiring dinating various events and competitions for promoting much awareness among the people of Jammu that sev- challenge comes in form of these and you sure empathize the French language in the state. Mr. Sharma is a firm moments between Naina and her students eral volunteers besides Mr Sharma's students have unruly kids and of course, her with her cause. She is believer in social responsibility and it has always been an extended their hands for propagation of the language. own physical shortcoming. who slowly but surely come around to relentless, spirited and important part of the club's activity. The Club contributes Facing initial hitches from people who tried to create First, it starts with the students appreciate their teacher’s efforts. totally right into her to the social and cultural life of the Jammu region on a resisting her efforts, pulling character. She does not obstructions on his way, Mr Sharma was able to convince regular basis, and has organized events in orphanages, pranks on her, absolutely frus- lose her bearing even a large part of those having even little interest in French schools and Old ages homes from time to time. trating her to the point of break- once and holds your that the language can do wonders with their career in Mr. Sharma has been teaching to students for more down and later it moves on to a great issue: Elitism preva- attention with her amazing screen presence. There is a lit- Indian and abroad. Sharma has been giving answers to than 14 years and he has taught more than 5000 students lent in the education sector. Soon it is Naina’s class of tle ‘act’ in her acting and it makes you wish she did more his critics with his work and not with mouth. till date. His students are not restricted to Jammu only, unruly kids from a nearby ghetto vs the privileged students films! The actors playing her students are true to their Besides holding a Master degree in French, he has but has taught to many students who belong to Jammu of the St Notker’s High School who ‘legitimately belong’ characters and do a brilliant job in their bearing of the multiple post-graduation degrees in English, Business but are studying in different schools, colleges and uni- there. This class of 14 students essentially come from rebellious turned studious kids. Harsh Mayar playing the administration and Tourism Management. Mr. Sharma versities like Mayo, International Pathways, Doon Inter- underprivileged background and are a part of school, only role of Aatish stands out. Neeraj Kabi as the disapproving has authored four French books for beginners, interme- national, Amity University, Global college and many oth- because of the compulsion by the Right To Education Act teacher is spectacular. Ivan Rodrigues as the Principal is diate and advanced students of French. His first book ers too . His distinguished teaching style has made him on the school management. It is a classic underdog-take- good. Supriya Pilgaonkar, Kunal Shinde, Shivkumar Sub- entitled "Mon Livre" was aimed at French language famous and favorite amongst the students and his exten- on-the-world and wins kind of situation. What happens ramaniam, Asif Basra, Hussain Dalal, Suprio Bose, Jan- learners and was accepted with wide acclaim by Lan- sive knowledge has helped numerous students in achiev- when Naina takes up the challenge teaching this class of nat Zubair Rahmani are all fantastic. guage enthusiasts. It was a big hit among all age groups ing their goals. rejects is what forms the rest of the story. Editor Shweta Venkat Mathew does a decent job, because of its simplicity and systematic approach. After HICHKI is inspired by the Hollywood flick FRONT OF though the second half could’ve been tighter. Avinash (The author is motivator and French lover) THE CLASS based on the book by Brad Cohen, Front of Arun handles the cinematography well as he plays with his the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher lens to highlight small quirks about the key character of HEALTHLINES I Never Had, co-authored by Lisa Wysocky. The premise the film. His camera work makes the film look good over- is old and films like HINDI MEDIUM and TAARE all. Music by Jasleen Royal is average. However back- ZAMEEN PAR come to mind when one thinks of HICH- ground score by Hitesh Sonik is good and goes with the KI. narrative. The film works when it comes to the basic storytelling Overall, HICHKI is a simple, meaningful and an inspir- and holds the attention in the first half. While the story is ing film that stays with you. Rani Mukerji is back in full predictable, the screenplay is engaging and keeps you form and her fans will be immensely impressed.