Rani Mukerji’s comeback film Hichki, which marks her return to acting after a gap of three years, has earned Rs.201.10 crore in five days. After an average opening which saw collections of Rs.3.30 crore, the film witnessed a surge over the weekend, earning Rs.5.35 crore and Rs.6.70 crore on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Released on 961 screens across the country, the film sees Rani playing an aspiring teacher who has Tourette Syndrome - a disorder that leads to the speech impediment. Rani’s Naina Mathur, who has a nervous system disorder that forces an individual to make involuntary repetitive movements or sounds, has been winning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

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This is indeed vindication for Rani who feels that the success of the film has smashed the myth of married female stars losing popularity with the audience. In a recent interview, she said, “I think the definition of success with this film, for me, is the fact that it has broken the perception that married actresses or actresses who are making their comeback after motherhood, do not work and are a dead commodity. After this, I hope more women come out and work in movies.”

[caption id="attachment_51277" align="aligncenter" width="759"] A still from the movie Hichki[/caption]

Lovely inspiring idea but aside from a Kareena and a Kajol, to some extent, filmmakers are not exactly lining up outside the doors of actresses who are also mothers. The actress is on a high right now with the response to her film. According to Rani, more than the box office figures of Hichki, it is the audience reaction that holds more importance. “The film has not only entertained but also made a difference in people’s lives,” she maintained. “Thanks to social media, I am able to gauge the reactions from the aam janta who have loved the film.”

Yes, she is pretty pleased with the reaction to her comeback film – and, unlike her peers, she doesn’t resent the term ‘comeback’ either. “I have actually returned to movies after three years so it is a comeback,” she beams.

Welcome back, rockstar!