Sitaare Zameen Par

Sitaare Zameen Par is an absolute heart-stealer! As an Aamir Khan admirer, I went in with sky-high expectations, and I wasn't disappoint! Film is funny, emotional, and so inspiring! Aamir Khan's portrayal of Gulshan is so good! He plays a confident but flawed basketball coach who has to train a group of neurodivergent players. At first, he's like, "why me?" but soon he grows to love his team, calling them "my stars!" His journey feels so real and heartfelt. He's got that classic Aamir charm but with a raw, relatable edge. Each one sitaares are real MVPs. You'll totally love Satbir, Golu, Hargovind, and the whole team! Their scenes are so fun, making you laugh hard one moment and cry the next. The supporting cast, like Genelia, Dolly Ahluwalia and Brijendra Kala, adds such warmth and fun. The story, a remake of Champions, feels fresh for Bollywood, tackling inclusion with a big heart without being preachy. Sure, the second half drags a tiny bit, and it doesn't hit the Taare Zameen Par level of perfection (what could?!), but it's such a feel-good ride. It's like a warm hug that reminds you everyone's normal is beautiful. If you don't go to the theatre expecting TZP 2 then you will enjoy it more. Mr. Perfectionist is finally back after years.

I wasn't disappointed, but the film could have been better given Aamir's standards.

Both halves are cute and short, with no real stakes or conflict, making it a harmless watch if you buy the simple setup in the beginning.

However, the premise-community service for DUI and focus on intellectually disabled people-feels unrealistic in India, making it hard to connect.

The story wasn't adapted enough for the local context. Aamir is good, Genelia is refreshing, but their subplot drags.

Basketball as the central sport adds to the foreign feel.

Overall, it's a decent, simple film-watchable, but not memorable.

Sitaare Zameen Par is a feel-good family entertainer that delivers its share of laughter, warmth, and emotional moments. The film keeps you engaged throughout - you hardly realize how time flies while watching it. It's filled with light-hearted scenes that bring smiles, along with a few touching moments that add depth to the experience.

While the movie is enjoyable, it doesn't break new ground in terms of storytelling. The plot is decent, but not particularly unique or emotionally stirring. If you're expecting the same level of emotional impact or brilliance as Taare Zameen Par, this one may fall short. That said, it still manages to hold its own as a breezy, engaging watch.

The performances are good across the board. The actors do justice to their roles, bringing charm and sincerity to their characters. However, none of the performances truly stand out as exceptional or memorable. It's a film that stays within its comfort zone - entertaining without aiming too high.

Overall, Sitaare Zameen Par is a solid one-time watch with a basic story. It's perfect for a relaxed family movie night, where you're looking for something light, enjoyable, and uplifting. While it may not stay with you long after the credits roll, it's certainly worth a watch for its positive vibe and heartfelt moments.

Gulshan is a junior coach to Delhi basketball team and clashes with the head coach during a losing match. The physical altercation with the head coach gets him suspended and to make things worse, he gets involved in a drunk and drive accident. He is sentenced to do community service to avoid jail term and is asked to coach the basketball team of specially abled. Gulshan is already in a rocky relationship with his wife Suneetha who wants to have a kid and Gulshan has his insecurities. How does Gulshan own up to his mistakes and start taking responsibility, starting with his team and what impact do these bunch have on him, forms rest of the story.

I liked the Spanish original and not so much it's sequel or even the American remake. I was skeptical about watching this loyal remake, fearing I wouldn't be able to appreciate in comparison with the original. However, R. S. Prasanna and Divy Nidhi Sharma have done a phenomenal job in adapting the film and especially the light hearted humor remain the best thing about this film. Next, it is the solid casting which does the trick and it is easy to connect to all these characters. R. S. Prasanna strikes a superb balance between humor and emotional scenes though it does get preachy a lot. With Aamir in the forefront, there was no chance of them going wrong with the remake. His honest performance is just too good and his comic timing is impeccable. I would rate it leniently solely because I ended up enjoying this as much as I enjoyed the original and that alone deserves the applause.

Like "Taara Zameen Par,' the film delivers an important message on the specialty of every individual. This time the film delves into the world of mentally challenged individuals with a homophobic coach to train their team for a basketball tournament. The story carried an interest. But alas, the expectations on emotions weren't met this time. The ease with which the situations are handled don't match the nuances of Aamir Khan's earlier movies like "Taare Zameen Par," "Dangal," or "Secret Superstar." Despite a sensitive subject it chooses, the deliverance drops into a passable fare than a memorable piece of cinema that every Aamir Khan's movie proved to be in recent years.

Rating: 1.5 stars out of 4.