Sitaare Zameen Par review: Aamir Khan's film is a warm hug, laughter pill for soul

India Today

4 hours ago

There's something about 'Sitaare Zameen par' that makes you believe in the inherent goodness of the world. That there's still light at the end of the tunnel. That, after all the darkness, you can still find the brighter side. And that being kind, hopeful, and having a heart full of love and laughter are still among humanity's greatest traits.When Aamir Khan announced he was making a spiritual sequel to his 2007 film 'Taare Zameen Par', we didn't know just how closely it would echo the brilliance of the previous film. While it may not have the same heart-wrenching emotional pull as 'Taare Zameen Par', this film makes you laugh and deeply resonate with the idea it aims to deliver.advertisementAt its core, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is a sports drama where a selfish, emotionally unavailable basketball coach, Gulshan (Aamir Khan), is forced to train a group of neurodivergent children. Initially, he finds the task impossible. He belittles them, genuinely believing they are a bunch of underdeveloped children who will never achieve "normalcy". He even compares them to 'naachte hue baraati' - wedding guests dancing without care or coordination.
From the outside, Gulshan's life seems perfect. But look closer, and it's in complete disarray. His marriage is falling apart. He's been suspended for slapping the head coach of Delhi's basketball team in public. He hasn't yet realised that his real opponent is within - that he must confront his own demons to set his life right. And yet, when he begins to try, change begins to show. As he grows close to Team Sitaare and works with them to reach the finals of a tournament, transformation begins.advertisementIt's an underdog story. Gulshan's journey of emotional awakening is simple - and extremely funny. Director RS Prasanna injects a sense of unlikely fun throughout the film. Every joke lands. Every emotional beat feels organic. Aamir Khan's impeccable expressions never miss the mark. Honestly, while you might go in expecting eyes to well up like they did during 'TZP', this one surprises you with how light-hearted, warm, and genuinely funny it is.The only gripe with 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is its runtime - at two hours and 39 minutes, the film drags, particularly in the second half. Tighter editing and trimming a few scenes would have made it far more engaging.In 'Sitaare Zameen Par', Khan urges you to live fearlessly, carrying kindness in your heart. His trademark arched eyebrows and self-pitying glances offer glimpses into a man in the process of self-discovery. And that's something you can't take away from Khan - his protagonists often push you to be a better person. Yes, they might get preachy on the way, but more often than not, they bring you home. There's a quiet sense of victory by the end. You might be facing the weakest moment of your life - down, humiliated, hopeless - but Khan's films tell you to give it one more shot and find joy wherever you are in life. That, perhaps, is the greatest strength of 'Sitaare Zameen Par'.advertisementThe film gently nudges you to get up, smell the coffee again, pluck the colourful flowers, greet the rising sun, and simply try one more time.The beauty of 'Sitaare Zameen Par' lies in the fact that it isn't trying to be anything it's not. There are no hidden metaphors or layered messages to decode. It is what it is - not a flawless portrayal of emotion, but a story with its heart in the right place. And oh, when it makes you laugh, it really makes you laugh. It puts to shame all those so-called comedies built on crass humour and sexist jokes.Brijendra Kala and Dolly Ahluwalia are an absolute treat. Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta, Aayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, GopiKrishnan K Verma, Rishabh Jain, Vedant Sharma, Simran Mangeshkar, Samvit Desai, and Naman Misra form a starry team around Khan - perhaps the best supporting cast he's ever had. While Khan's performance remains effortless and charismatic, these children elevate the film with warmth and joy.advertisement'Sitaare Zameen Par' is a well-intentioned, extremely funny, family film. It doesn't rely on cheap laughs, nor does it belittle anyone to make a point. Genelia D'Souza as Suneeta is a refreshing presence, playing a role her age - a real woman who gives her emotionally confused husband multiple chances to align their wavelengths.You don't need any preparation to watch this film - it comes easily to you. One moment you are seated, and the next, you are rolling down in laughter. The humour is its USP; the performances are its soul.Aamir Khan returns with a tickling feather and a promise: a story for all ages, all kinds, and all shades of normal. Because there's 'sabka apna apna' normal. You don't fear it. You don't shoo it away. Your normal is acceptable - and so is mine.
IN THIS STORY#Aamir Khan