Hichki taught me I have the power to make a difference:  Siddharth P Malhotra

A film made with conviction, honesty and a pure heart will touch people of any nation irrespective of language barriers, believes Hichki director Siddharth P Malhotra who is motivated to make movies that can bring a difference to the world.

Yash Raj Films' Hichki was showcased at the Shanghai International Film Festival earlier this month, eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd which was moved by the inspirational story of a woman who deals with Tourette syndrome.

The response, Malhotra says, "It reaffirmed that a film made with conviction, and pure honesty and heart, will touch any language, any nation, because it's a heart talking to another heart, irrespective of language."

He says the audience had tears in their eyes, and a  conversation which he was scheduled for fifteen minutes, went on for one and a half hours.

The film, starring Rani Mukerji, is about a woman with Tourette syndrome -- a nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds. She lands a teaching job in an elite school and turns her weakness into her biggest strength.

Malhotra says, "I chose light at the end of the tunnel because I believe in hope, happiness, and that responsibility has, in fact, made a strong place in my head and heart that whatever film I make next, I should try and in some way, to make a difference... to make people laugh, cry. If I can change or touch someone, why not?"

He said Hichki has taught him a lot "That I have the power as a filmmaker and as a writer to make a change in people's lives."