A major surprise has swept Bollywood as a film made with a modest budget emerged as a global blockbuster largely due to its overseas boom. The movie produced for just around Rs 15 crore went on to collect a staggering Rs 876 crore worldwide an exceptional feat for any production let alone one led by a very young star. The lead actress just 16 years old at release already had a hit in her debut film adding to the buzz around this particular project. Which film is this? The film in question is Secret Superstar directed by Advait Chandan and starring newcomer Zaira Wasim in the lead role alongside a special appearance by Aamir Khan. The plot centres on a teenager from a conservative family who aspires to be a singer. She uploads videos online while wearing a burqa to hide her identity and gradually becomes a sensation and the film’s heart lies in her courage her mother’s support and the power of self‑expression. Despite a small budget the film resonated globally especially in China turning into one of the highest‑grossing woman‑led Indian films. The exceptional performance at box office The film was produced on a modest budget of approximately Rs 15 crore yet it went on to collect an astonishing Rs 876 crore worldwide thanks largely to exceptional performance overseas. In India alone it earned around Rs 63 crore net while in China it crossed Rs 327 crore making it one of the highest‑grossing Indian films overseas. Other important cast members included Raj Arjun as her father and Meher Vij as her mother. Secret Superstar was praised for its heartfelt storytelling strong performances and socially relevant message. Zaira Wasim’s portrayal of a young girl chasing her dreams in a restrictive environment struck a chord with audiences. The emotional bond between mother and daughter combined with powerful music and subtle direction by Advait Chandan made it a touching and inspiring cinematic experience. Story Highlights Secret Superstar was made on a modest budget of around Rs 15 crore. The film went on to earn Rs 876 crore worldwide with a massive boost from the Chinese market. It starred Zaira Wasim in the lead and featured a key appearance by Aamir Khan. The story focuses on a teenage girl’s secret journey to stardom while tackling societal restrictions. Secret Superstar stands as a remarkable example of content-driven success. With its relatable story emotional depth and strong performances—especially by Zaira Wasim—the film found love not just in India but globally.