Maneesh Sharma on success of Rani Mukerji’s ‘Hichki’

‘Hichki’ (2018) has proved to be a huge success for Rani Mukerji, her first film after becoming a mum to Adira Chopra. Producer Maneesh Sharma has expressed he’s happy the content has been appreciated and describes Mukerji as ‘A big star’.

Reported on Pinkvilla, Sharma who recently gave an interview with a leading agency said, “Rani is a big star. Her last outing (Mardaani) was a big hit. Today, stardom has no gender. We have had a female-led narrative and it has done very well. It is extremely rewarding. Content and talent are the heroes.”

The idea behind ‘Hichki’ (2018) was new and with audiences embracing the idea behind the film, makes Sharma happier. “I am glad that it is being accepted and it has got success not only in terms of numbers but by word of mouth also. There is a resonance with the film and that is one of the most precious feeling for a filmmaker. It has become a conversation today and there could be no bigger joy than this.”

Sharma further added, “The journey is not only of Naina (Rani), she ends up with a bunch of children who are discriminated, looked down upon. It is being said that when someone suffers from a disease the whole family suffers.”

‘Hichki’ (2018) gives Sharma his third hit film, asked how he feels about this, he said, “I never had this plan of becoming a producer, it was not my long distance plan. I became a producer just like that. I am passionate about the process of filmmaking. Continuing to add, “I am as attached to films where I served as an assistant director. Now I have a new role to play and I am enjoying it. I am equally happy with the films I have produced and directed.”

Reflecting on his first film ‘Band Baaja Baarat’ (2010), Sharma says it was written off almost immediately, “I was told no one would come to watch the hero (Ranveer Singh) and the girl (Anushka Sharma) was OK, but the movie turned out to be really well.”

Sharma also adds about his experience working on ‘Fan’ (2017). “When I made a film with a big superstar (Shah Rukh Khan – ‘Fan’) it was not formulaic, it had no songs, no romance, so I find myself in a very underdog-like situation every Friday.”

‘Hichki’ (2018) released in cinemas on the 23rd March.