Aamir Khan gives a completely dedicated performance in this charming comedy.

Cast :Aamir Khan , Genelia D’Souza , Aarush Dutta , Gopi Krishna Verma , Sanvit Desai , Vedant Sharma , Aayush Bhansali , Ashish Pendse , Rishi Shahani , Rishabh Jain , Naman Mishra , Simran Mangeshkar
Director : R S Prasanna
Category:Hindi, Comedy, Drama
Duration:2hrs 38min

Plot

Gulshan Arora, a junior basketball coach, is notorious for his demeanor and arrogance towards those around him and those close to him. Facing ridicule due to his ‘average’ height, he finds himself suspended from a sports institute. At this point, he is also charged with drunk driving. Rather than serving time in jail, Gulshan is assigned to a sports academy for Neurodivergent adults as part of his community service. Initially, he is mocked by their antics and talents. Gulshan is compelled to guide them to a national basketball championship. Upon agreeing to coach them, Sunil (Ashish Pendse), Satbir (Aroush Datta), Lotus (Aayush Bhansali), Sharma Ji (Rishi Shahani), Guddu (GopiKrishnan K Verma), Raju (Rishabh Jain), Bantu (Vedant Sharma), Golu (Simran Mangeshkar), Kareem (Samvit Desai), and Hargovind (Naman Misra) ultimately impart to him the significance of individuality within ‘normalcy’ and a profound lesson in empathy and equality.

Review

Aamir Khan permits the ten new actors to shine in the spotlight. Serving as the foundation of the film, the actor invests in a touching, heartfelt, and engaging narrative that possesses the ability to resonate with a broad audience throughout India. Director RS Prasanna maintains a concise storyline. It is equally entertaining and emotional without veering into didactic territory. Sitaare Zameen Par refrains from portraying Neurodivergent adults in a sympathetic light. It underscores the importance of viewing them as normal individuals and embracing them fully. Each character experiences development.

Gulshan, portrayed by Aamir, begins as rude and arrogant, and his perspective does not undergo a miraculous transformation. The narrative builds to a climax and follows a natural progression that feels authentic. His anger, frustration, and pride are confronted by those he once deemed ‘pagal’ and ‘mental’.
Sitaare Zameen Par challenges societal conventions, one scene at a time. In addition to dismissing the ongoing ridicule of short individuals, Dolly Ahluwalia and Brijendra Kala deliver an unexpected and humorous twist that is truly remarkable. At first glance, they may seem inconsequential to the coach-student sports dramedy, but their surprise leaves a lasting impact.
The first half of Sitaare Zameen Par adheres to a consistent pattern and rhythm. Gulshan’s attempts to comprehend his team result in several amusing and endearing moments. The innocence of the ten Neurodivergent individuals is what distinguishes the film and renders it both valuable and significant. They are not merely exceptional players but also quirky, flirtatious, and accommodating.

Performances

Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar approach the film with the expertise of seasoned professionals. Their confidence and captivating screen presence are indeed exceptional.

Genelia Deshmukh brightens the screen with her reassuring performance. She has memorable moments that are worth celebrating, and the actress certainly meets expectations.

Aamir Khan handles feedback and criticism with remarkable composure, unlike anyone else. He is well aware of his niche and target audience. Sitaare Zameen Par exemplifies why he is a formidable presence in the industry.

Verdict
Although it is a remake, Sitaare Zameen Par impresses with its purity, straightforwardness, and adaptation to the Indian context. This film, being a well-crafted family entertainer, truly merits recognition.

Ratings – 3.5/5
Film Review By Dharmit Shah