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Aamir Khan's return to the silver screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, following a period marked by both personal controversies and professional setbacks – most notably, the lukewarm reception of Laal Singh Chaddha – has been met with considerable anticipation. Billed as a spiritual successor to the widely acclaimed Taare Zameen Par, the film carries the weight of expectation, promising not only a continuation of the themes explored in its predecessor but also a potential redemption for Khan himself in the eyes of his audience. The question that inevitably arises is whether Sitaare Zameen Par manages to live up to these lofty expectations. According to this review, the answer is a qualified yes, albeit with some significant caveats. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and adapted from the Spanish film Campeones, Sitaare Zameen Par eschews the traditional sequel format, opting instead to explore similar thematic territory with a fresh narrative approach. While Taare Zameen Par focused on a child's struggle with dyslexia through the empathetic lens of his teacher, Sitaare Zameen Par shifts its perspective to an abrasive and ego-driven basketball coach who is compelled to mentor a team of neurodivergent adults. This shift in focus presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it allows the film to explore neurodiversity from a different angle, examining the challenges and triumphs of individuals who are often marginalized and misunderstood by society. On the other hand, it risks alienating audiences who may be expecting a more direct continuation of the original film's storyline and characters. The reviewer notes that Sitaare Zameen Par attempts to address the complex issue of neurodivergence with a blend of humor and dignity. However, it also criticizes the film for succumbing to excessive sentimentality and relying on an overly didactic structure. This suggests that while the film's intentions may be noble, its execution is not always successful. Aamir Khan's portrayal of Gulshan Arora, the temperamental coach, is a departure from the saintly Ram Shankar Nikumbh of Taare Zameen Par. This is described as a positive choice, as it allows Khan to showcase his comedic abilities and explore the character's transformation in a more nuanced way. Gulshan's initial reluctance and prejudice gradually give way to understanding and acceptance as he interacts with his team, leading to moments of both humor and heartfelt emotion. The supporting cast, particularly Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan, is also praised for their performances. Mangeshkar's portrayal of an irreverent and assertive character who refuses to be defined by her disability is a highlight of the film. The reviewer also commends the makers for casting neurodivergent actors in these roles, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation. Despite these positive aspects, the review identifies several weaknesses in Sitaare Zameen Par. The first half of the film is described as a slog, hampered by expository writing, meandering narrative, and inconsistent humor. The soundtrack, while serviceable, is deemed unlikely to achieve the same level of iconic status as the music of Taare Zameen Par. However, the reviewer notes that the film improves significantly in the second half, as Gulshan's relationship with his team deepens and the narrative gains momentum. Ultimately, Sitaare Zameen Par is deemed to be an overlong film, clocking in at 2 hours and 39 minutes. The climax is criticized for being stretched out and overly sentimental, attempting to resolve too many subplots and deliver too many messages. The inclusion of subplots involving Gulshan's mother and wife are also seen as unnecessary and underdeveloped, detracting from the film's overall impact. In conclusion, the review suggests that Sitaare Zameen Par is a mixed bag, offering moments of genuine insight and entertainment but ultimately falling short of its full potential due to its uneven pacing, excessive sentimentality, and overly ambitious scope. While the film's intentions are commendable and its performances are generally strong, it fails to achieve the same level of emotional resonance and thematic coherence as its predecessor. Whether it can find success with audiences remains to be seen, but the review suggests that it is likely to be a divisive film, eliciting both praise and criticism.
Delving deeper into the narrative structure, the film initially presents Gulshan Arora as a man defined by his flaws: a temperamental coach whose explosive outburst leads to legal repercussions, compounded by a drink-driving incident. This establishes a clear arc of redemption, albeit one that treads familiar ground. The forced community service – coaching a team of neurodivergent individuals – is a classic trope used to initiate character transformation. The success of this trope hinges on the execution, and the review suggests that Sitaare Zameen Par struggles to effectively navigate this initial phase. The expository writing and meandering narrative contribute to a sense of stagnation, making the first half of the film feel unnecessarily protracted. This is further compounded by the humor, which is described as sporadic and inconsistent. A film that seeks to address sensitive topics like neurodiversity must strike a delicate balance between humor and respect. When the humor fails to land, it risks undermining the film's overall message and potentially alienating audiences. The comparison to Taare Zameen Par's soundtrack highlights another area where Sitaare Zameen Par falls short. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music for Taare Zameen Par was not only memorable but also deeply integrated into the film's narrative and emotional landscape. The music in Sitaare Zameen Par, while serviceable, is described as lacking the same soul-stirring quality. This suggests that the film fails to fully utilize music as a storytelling tool, missing an opportunity to enhance its emotional impact. The turning point in the film, according to the review, occurs after the intermission. Gulshan's evolving relationship with his team feels more organic and less contrived, allowing the film to breathe with a sense of lightness that was previously absent. This suggests that the second half of the film is more successful in exploring the complexities of neurodiversity and showcasing the transformative power of human connection. Aamir Khan's performance in the second half is also praised for its comedic timing and nuanced portrayal of Gulshan's character development. The supporting cast, particularly Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan, continues to shine, providing moments of both humor and heart. The decision to cast neurodivergent actors in these roles is a significant strength of the film, contributing to its authenticity and avoiding the pitfalls of stereotypical representation. However, the review also points out that the film's length becomes a significant issue in the final act. The extended climax, which attempts to tie up all loose ends and deliver a multitude of messages, feels forced and preachy. The inclusion of additional subplots involving Gulshan's mother and wife further dilutes the narrative focus and adds to the sense of bloat. The reviewer's comment that Genelia Deshmukh looks more like Aamir Khan's daughter than his wife is particularly harsh, highlighting the potential for miscasting to detract from the believability of a romantic relationship. Overall, the review paints a picture of a film that is well-intentioned but ultimately flawed. Sitaare Zameen Par attempts to tackle important social issues and provide a platform for marginalized voices, but it is hampered by its uneven pacing, excessive sentimentality, and overly ambitious scope.
The film's thematic ambition is commendable. Addressing neurodiversity on the big screen is a crucial step towards fostering greater understanding and acceptance within society. By showcasing the talents and capabilities of neurodivergent individuals, Sitaare Zameen Par has the potential to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. However, the review suggests that the film's execution does not always live up to its intentions. The overly didactic structure and excessive sentimentality risk undermining the film's message, making it feel more like a sermon than a genuine exploration of the human experience. The film's success hinges on its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. While the review praises the performances of the cast, particularly Aamir Khan and Simran Mangeshkar, it also suggests that the film's emotional resonance is hampered by its uneven pacing and contrived plot points. The reviewer's criticism of the film's length is a common complaint among film critics. A film that overstays its welcome risks losing the audience's attention and diminishing its overall impact. In the case of Sitaare Zameen Par, the extended climax and additional subplots contribute to a sense of fatigue, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with the film's message. The inclusion of multiple subplots also dilutes the narrative focus, preventing the film from fully exploring its central themes. The reviewer's comment about Genelia Deshmukh's casting raises an interesting point about the importance of believability in romantic relationships. If the audience does not believe that the characters are genuinely in love, it can detract from the emotional impact of the film. In the case of Sitaare Zameen Par, the reviewer suggests that the miscasting of Genelia Deshmukh undermines the believability of her relationship with Aamir Khan's character. Ultimately, Sitaare Zameen Par is a film that is likely to generate a wide range of opinions. Some viewers may appreciate its well-intentioned message and strong performances, while others may be turned off by its uneven pacing, excessive sentimentality, and contrived plot points. The film's success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences on an emotional level and leave a lasting impression. Whether it can achieve the same level of critical and commercial success as its predecessor remains to be seen. However, the review suggests that Sitaare Zameen Par is a film that is worth watching, if only for its exploration of important social issues and its commitment to authentic representation.
Source: Aamir Khan-starrer is a feel-good drama that fumbles before it flies - Telegraph India