Aamir Khan’s latest Sitare Zameen Par follows another story on a social topic and in public interest. Directed by R. S. Prasanna, the film explores how students to a washed up basketball coach end up teaching him the right way to live and enjoy life. While the plot is straightforward and simple, the subtle storytelling and irony in the performances makes it even more charming. Genelia Deshmukh is return to the big screen is refreshing and the performances of other differently abled players and actors is the highlight of the film.
Sitare Zameen Par beings with Aamir Khan’s character Gulshan letting his anger get the best of him. During the national basketball match, Gulshan ends up insulting his senior time and again which ends up in a fist fight. However, the conversation doesn’t end there. He gets suspended and even sent to court after drinking and attacking a police officer’s car. He is then assigned community work by the judge for three months. His get out of jail card is none other than 3 months of community service by becoming a couch for a team of differently abled people.
Gulshan hasn’t been struggling just with work, but also with his wife, Sunita. He is seen running away from his problem at work, and personal life. But he can’t run away from the community service. Forced to be in the place every day, he slowly begins to understand the group he has been put incharge of. From Guddu to Lotus and Sharmaji. After they begins to play against different teams and Gulshan gains confidence in them, he diesn’t just being to trust them but learn from them.
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For the rest of the runtime, the makers have focused on the matches, a few comic relief ments and other emotional epiphanies for different characters for their complet arcs. While the film’s run time feels long, the makers only explore Gulshan’s story extensively along with how each character leaves a major impact on him. The audience does get to spend time with supporting characters as well including the players, as well as Dolly Ahluwalia, Gurpal Singh and Brijendra Kala.
Talking about the players — Gopi Krishnan, Aayush Bhansali, Samvit Desai and others are natural on screen. Rishi Shahani seen as playing Sharmaji shows off his talent as an actor after his winning on the field. However, in the end Gopi Krishnan Varma stole the show in many scenes. Her presence was unmissable in scenes with Aamir Khan as well. While Aamir’s chemistry with Genelia seemed forced it was more about the writing and direction than the actors themselves.
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Overall, Sitare Zameen Paor teaches and preaches truly living in a fun and unique way. There is much to offer in tthe runtime of 158 minutes along with adorable performances and good storytelling.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India