Release Date: June 20, 2025
Director: R.S. Prasanna
Cast: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, Simran Mangeshkar
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)

Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, which hit the big screen today, is a heartfelt sports comedy-drama that serves as a spiritual successor to the 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and adapted from the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, this family entertainer blends humor, emotion, and a message of inclusivity.

While for some audiences it may not match the iconic impact of its predecessor, it delivers a moving experience, earning a 3.5/5 rating from major outlets like Times of India, NDTV, and India Today.

Plot: A Tale of Redemption and Inclusivity

Sitaare Zameen Par centers on Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a disgraced basketball coach serving community service by coaching a team of neurodivergent players with Down syndrome and autism. What begins as a reluctant task evolves into a journey of empathy and growth. Written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film balances humor and heart, spotlighting neurodiversity. The first half sets up Gulshan’s transformation with lighthearted moments, while the second half delivers emotional depth—though some predictable tropes slightly dilute the climax.

Performances: Aamir and Newcomers Impress

Aamir Khan shines as Gulshan, effortlessly blending comedy with emotional depth. His trademark charisma and quirky one-liners light up the screen, while his evolution from a selfish coach to a compassionate mentor feels authentic. Genelia Deshmukh, as his supportive yet underdeveloped love interest, delivers a heartfelt performance, though their chemistry feels slightly forced, as echoed by many reviews.

The real stars, however, are the debutant actors—Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, and others—who portray the neurodivergent team with warmth and authenticity. Their performances add a genuine emotional core, earning praise from audiences and critics alike. Supporting actors Brijendra Kala and Dolly Ahluwalia bring delightful humor, with Kala’s scenes sparking roars of laughter.

Direction and Writing: Emotional but Flawed

R.S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, crafts a film that balances comedy with sensitivity. While the first half occasionally feels slow, the second half redeems it with engaging sequences and emotional payoff. The screenplay, though criticized for clichéd motivational montages, effectively highlights neurodiversity and inclusivity, resonating with viewers.

Meanwhile, some have noted the film’s 2-hour-39-minute runtime as a drawback, suggesting tighter editing could enhance its impact. Despite being a remake, Prasanna infuses the story with a distinctly Indian flavor, making it relatable to local audiences.

Music: Catchy but Forgettable

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s soundtrack, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, is peppy but lacks the staying power of Taare Zameen Par’s iconic songs. Shariva Parulkar’s playback adds freshness, but the music doesn’t leave a lasting impression, serving more as background than a standout feature.

Box Office and Audience Reception

Sitaare Zameen Par opened to ₹7–8 crore on day one, with advance bookings at ₹4.74 crore, according to trade reports. Positive word-of-mouth is driving steady growth, with Times of India calling it a “feel-good entertainer” and India Today praising its “sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity.”

Social media reactions reflect mixed sentiments: some hail it as “touching” (3.5/5), while others call it “predictable” due to its remake roots. Sudha Murty lauded its social message, though comparisons to Campeones and Champions (2023) have sparked debates about creativity.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Aamir Khan’s engaging performance and the debutants’ authentic portrayals
• A meaningful message of inclusivity, resonating with families
• Strong comedic moments, especially from Brijendra Kala
• Emotional second half that delivers a satisfying climax

Weaknesses:

• Overlong runtime and a slow first half, as critiqued by India Today
• Underdeveloped romantic subplot, noted by NDTV
• Music lacks memorability, per Times of India
• Predictable storyline due to remake structure

Why Watch Sitaare Zameen Par?

Sitaare Zameen Par is a wholesome film that combines laughter, emotion, and a vital social message. Though not as groundbreaking as Taare Zameen Par, it’s a solid family watch—perfect for Aamir Khan fans and those seeking meaningful cinema.

Conclusion

Sitaare Zameen Par is a touching, if slightly predictable, drama that showcases Aamir Khan’s charm and a talented ensemble of newcomers. Its focus on neurodiversity and emotional storytelling makes it a worthwhile watch, despite pacing issues and remake critiques.