Introduction to a Heartwarming Film
In a career spanning 37 years and over 50 films, Aamir Khan has rarely been outshone in a movie. His exceptional acting skills, enduring fame, and usually impeccable creative instincts have kept him on top. However, in the film "Sitaare Zameen Par" (Stars on Earth), the actor-producer takes a backseat to a group of talented, neurodiverse, and mostly debutant actors who steal every scene they’re in.
The Cast: A Diverse and Talented Group
Casting directors Tess Joseph and Anmol Ahuja have done an outstanding job in selecting the cast. Ashish Pendse as Sunil, Aroush Datta as Satbir, Aayush Bhansali as Lotus, Rishi Shahani as Sharma Ji, Gopi Krishnan K Verma as Guddu, Rishabh Jain as Raiju, Kareem, Naman Misra as Hargovind, and Simran Mangeshkar as Golu – each one is perfect and yet individually unmistakable. This group of clever, resilient, and cheerful individuals refuses to be pitied. One of the most memorable moments in the film is an exchange between two of them about a friend who happens to be a sex worker. As the film’s slogan says, "Sabka Apna Apna Normal Hai" (Everyone has their own normal).
The Storyline and Characters
The film tells the story of a spiky, unlikely basketball coach who is ordered by a judge to train a group of neurodiverse adults as a non-profit service instead of going to prison. Gulshan, played by Aamir Khan, is a chaotic character who has lost his job and is separated from his wife. He lives with his mother, Preeto, played by Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari, who brings the right touch of affection and anger to her role. Gulshan is an insensitive and rude man who initially refers to his players as "paagal" (crazy) and argues, "What does this mean – that you cannot call crazy people crazy?" He is the exact opposite of Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the compassionate teacher Khan played in the 2007 film "Taare Zameen Par".
The Transformation of Gulshan
As the story unfolds, Gulshan undergoes a transformation. He is slowly changed by the people he initially considered inferior. At the end of the film, he realizes that he was never the teacher and that the people he thought were beneath him were actually always ahead of him. This transformation is reminiscent of Rocky Randhawa’s journey in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" (Rocky and Rani’s Love Story), where he learns that the things we learn in childhood or absorb from our environment are not necessarily correct.
The Director’s Vision and Tone
Director RS Prasanna has a talent for infusing complicated situations with lightness and wit. His worldview is an inherently generous one that is inclusive and positive. The film is soaked in sweetness and life lessons, aiming to make us better people by asking us to rethink our definitions of normality and success. However, the moral high ground can be exhausting, and the film’s tone sometimes feels too preachy. The background score by Ram Sampath emphasizes the central message, and a character played by Kartar Paaji largely explains and emphasizes the film’s theme.
The Performances and Music
Aamir Khan’s performance is a few steps higher than his counterpart Javier Gutiérrez in the Spanish original. Although his arched eyebrows, eternal frowns, and angered hand gestures are a bit too obvious, he makes it work. Genelia Deshmukh’s Sunita, Gulshan’s wife, is not well fleshed out, but she gets a scene where she shines. The title track by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy gives the narrative buoyancy.
A Spiritual Sequel with a Different Tone
"Sitaare Zameen Par" is not a patch on "Taare Zameen Par", which smashed our souls with finesse and delicacy and made it magical to heal again. This film, although a spiritual sequel, lacks the same artistry. It is too nosy and preloaded with sentimentality. However, it will conjure up a smile on your face – and maybe even make you rethink your judgment the next time you encounter someone who doesn’t fit your definition of normal.
