Aamir Khan’s latest film Sitaare Zameen Par is not just a movie—it’s an experience. Though the film starts off a bit slow and shaky, it finds its heart in the second half and ends up delivering a touching and uplifting story.
Let’s dive into what makes this movie worth watching.
Aamir Khan Returns with Confidence
Recently, Aamir Khan has been in the news for various reasons, not all of them positive. But despite the chatter, he remained focused on promoting this film, showing just how confident he was in the story he had to tell. And honestly, that confidence shows on screen.
Sitaare Zameen Par is considered a spiritual sequel to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, but it tells a very different story. It’s an official adaptation of the 2018 Italian movie Campeones, and while the theme is similar—celebrating uniqueness and the human spirit—it stands on its own.
Plot: A Coach, a Team, and an Unexpected Journey
Directed by RS Prasanna, the film follows Gulshan Arora (played by Aamir Khan), a hot-headed assistant basketball coach who gets into trouble after assaulting his boss and driving drunk. As punishment, he’s assigned three months of community service—coaching a team of specially-abled adults in basketball.
At first, Gulshan wants nothing to do with this job. He’s grumpy, judgmental, and full of complaints. But as he spends more time with the team, he begins to change. And in a sweet twist, it’s not the team that needs coaching—it’s Gulshan himself who learns the real lessons.
No Sympathy Needed—Just Respect
One of the most beautiful things about this film is how it treats its characters with disabilities. Instead of asking for sympathy or showing them as weak, the film portrays them as individuals—funny, smart, flawed, and full of life. One of the team members even smokes, reminding us that they are just like everyone else, with their own quirks and habits.
The script by Divy Nidhi Sharma avoids turning their conditions into the central struggle. Their biggest challenge isn’t their disability—it’s the way the world sees them. And that’s what gives the story its strength.
A Slow First Half, But Stay with It
The movie does take a while to find its rhythm. The first half spends a lot of time showing Gulshan’s resistance to the job, his struggling marriage with his wife Sunita (played by Genelia Deshmukh), and his initial awkward moments with the team. These scenes can feel a bit stretched and unexciting.
There are a few laughs here and there, but you might start wondering if the movie will ever pick up. The intermission doesn’t leave a strong impact either.
Second Half Shines Bright
But don’t give up! As soon as the second half begins, the film changes tone. The story becomes funnier, warmer, and much more engaging. Aamir Khan shines in these scenes—he’s relaxed, charming, and genuinely funny. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially the team members, feels natural and enjoyable.
Watch out for a hilarious scene with Brijendra Kala—it’s a highlight!
Genelia Deshmukh does a lovely job as the supportive wife. Their marital issues don’t drag on unnecessarily, which helps keep the pace moving. Dolly Ahluwalia and Brijendra Kala, though in small roles, make a lasting impression.
The Real Stars: The Team
The actors playing the basketball team are the soul of the film. Ashish Pendse (Sunil) delivers a powerful emotional moment that stays with you. Aroush Datta, Aayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, Gopikrishnan K Verma, Rishabh Jain, Vedant Sharma, Simran Mangeshka, Samvit Desai, and Naman Misra all give honest and lovable performances. The casting is spot on, and each of them brings something special to the film.
Music and Overall Feel
The soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is upbeat and goes well with the film’s mood. It may not be as iconic as Taare Zameen Par, but it does its job. Don’t expect unforgettable songs—just tunes that support the story.
Sitaare Zameen Par may not be a perfect film, and it doesn’t shine as brightly as Taare Zameen Par. But it’s warm, funny, and filled with heart. The movie truly comes alive in the second half and leaves you with a smile.
This is a film best enjoyed in a theatre, surrounded by people laughing and maybe even tearing up with you. It reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected people teach us the most important lessons.
In the end, these Sitaare (stars) may not be from the sky—but they definitely light up the screen.
