Bollywood star Aamir Khan‘s cult film, Taare Zameen Par, is well-known for its sensitive depiction of the child’s psyche. It was also a box-office huge success. 18 years after, Aamir Khan brings its sequel, a heart-wrenching drama Sitaare Zameen Par. Read our review to see the verdict on whether this highly anticipated film is able to win the audiences’ hearts just like the first and is available worldwide today.
Story
Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan) is the Assistant coach of Amir Khan, an assistant coach for the Delhi Basketball team. Gulshan’s temper is short and his negative habits can result in him being involved in a variety of problems. One fateful day, while drinking and driving Gulshan gets caught up by police. In retribution, he’s ordered by the judge to coach a group made up of youngsters struggling with autism, invisible autism Down’s Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome.
What kinds of issues does Gulshan have to overcome while coaching a team of athletes with learning disabilities? What are the issues that arise with his wife Sunita (Genelia)? Which are some shocking things Gulshan uncovers? What do he achieve through this team? This is the central theme of the Sitaare Zameen par’s tale.
Plus Points
Sitaare Zameen Par’s story Sitaare Zameen Par might not be a huge difference for viewers who have seen Taare Zameen Par. But the emotions that are portrayed in SZP are very different. The film is beautifully portrayed the idea of children who suffer from Down Syndrome and other intellectual issues achieving success once they are determined to it.
The pace of the narrative in the first half is swift and engaging, which keeps the attention of the viewers. There are some times in the later quarter when the director appears to be distracted. The problems Gulshan has to face as a basketball coach for a young team that has intellectual challenges are effectively presented.
Aamir Khan’s role as coach determined to make his unique winning team is amazing. The emotional storyline between his spouse, Sunita and his wife Sunita is dealt with great depth. The finale is very emotional and gives the perfect end to this emotional drama.
Minus Points
If you’ve seen the commercial and critical popularity in Taare Zameen Par the people who enjoyed the prequel might feel that Sitaare Zameen Par unsatisfactory in comparison. Despite the inclusion of emotional content however, the sequel does not make a lasting impression on the viewers.
Although films such as Sitaare Zameen Par do not necessarily require a focus upon entertainment but the psychological impact must not be overlooked by these films. In the case of Sitaare Zameen Par the backstories of a few characters are treated too superficially.
Furthermore, the manner in which Gulshan interacts with a new team that is struggling with learning does not connect with the viewers. The relationship that the coaches and their team grows only at the end of the film that may be a bit for the audience to be impressed. Scenes with the protagonist’s mother and wife seem to drag the film down.
Technical Aspects
The director RS Prasanna does a fine job of handling the emotional drama. However, the director could have concentrated more on the screenplay, and perhaps tightened certain scenes that aren’t as good. Cinematography is good however, the music although good, doesn’t have many standout tracks. However, it is clear that the music was a major factor in the popularity in the film Taare Zameen Par. It could’ve been edited more crisp in some scenes. The quality of the production is quite excellent.
Box Office Collection
Sitaare Zameen Par has also been running for five weeks, and the saturation has reached. Day 36 of RS Prasanna’s film produced film earned eleven lakhs. The film saw a dip in the 17 lakh earned earlier in the day.
The net revenue in India is 165.50 crore net over the course of 36 days. With taxes included, the gross amount is 195.29 crore.
Box office breakdown (India net collection) below:
- Week 1 – 88.46 crores
- Week 2 – 46.45 crores
- Week 3 – 18.63 crores
- Week 4 – 8.64 crores
- Week 5 – 3.21 crores
- Day 26 – 11 lakhs
Total – 165.50 crores
Verdict
Overall Sitaarezameen Par is able to attract an audience that is specialized through its powerful emotional drama and well-done performances. If you are expecting a movie on the same similar level to Taare Zameen Par could be dissatisfied. The film is slow at certain points that could dissuade the viewers’ attention. But, if you are watching the film without preconceived notions, Sitaare Zameen Par will probably be a pleasant experience.