Genre: Romance/Drama
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 2019
“Notebook” is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film produced by Salman Khan under Salman Khan Films, alongside Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde of Cine1 Studios. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, this film is a remake of the 2014 Thai film “The Teacher’s Diary.” It features the debut of Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl, the daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl, in the lead roles. The narrative centers around Captain Kabir Kaul, a young retired army officer who takes up a teaching position at his late father’s school, Wular Public School, to prevent its closure. Kabir discovers a diary left by the previous teacher, Firdaus Quadri, which inspires him and helps him gain the confidence needed to manage the schoolchildren.
Kabir faces personal turmoil when his girlfriend breaks up with him, deeming him unfit for marriage now that he has left the army. Heartbroken, Kabir finds solace in the schoolchildren and Firdaus’s diary, through which he learns valuable lessons and leaves his comments. He particularly helps a troubled student, Imran, whose father, Yakub, prefers him working at home rather than attending school. Kabir’s influence helps bring Imran back to school. Although Kabir contemplates destroying Firdaus’s diary after learning of her impending marriage, he ultimately retrieves it, recognizing its significance and the connection he feels with its author.
The climax of the film sees Firdaus calling off her wedding after discovering her fiancé’s infidelity. She returns to Wular Public School, where she finds Kabir’s heartfelt comments in her diary, revealing his love and admiration for her. Firdaus, now curious about Kabir, learns that he is away pursuing a teaching course. The story reaches an intense moment when Yakub confronts Kabir with a gun, leading to a tense standoff where Imran almost shoots his father to protect Kabir. Ultimately, Yakub realizes his mistake. The film concludes with Firdaus sending the children home to spend time with Kabir, signaling the beginning of their romantic relationship. “Notebook” received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the lead actors.
