BOTTOM LINE
A Feel-good Tale On Intellectually Disabled Kids
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 39m
What Is the Film About?
Gulshan (Aamir Khan) is a hot headed basketball coach frustrated with many issues in his life, both at a personal and professional level. One such reckless incident leads to court proceedings that ultimately leads to Gulashan becoming a temporary head coach for mentally challenged Basketball team.
The journey with the players and how it transforms Gulshan, as a person, is the movie’s basic plot. The subplot involves his relationship with wife and mother, which are also brought to conclusion.
Performances
Aamir Khan, who delivered a mixed bag act leaning in the negative side, with his last outing Laal Singh Chaddha, redeems with Sitare Zameen Par. It is a return to form for the star.
In the start, though, it looks like Aamir Khan is trying a little too hard, but things soon settle down as the actor gets into the groove. The emotional moments are where he shines the most with the climax being the best segment, undoubtedly.
The biggest thing with Sitare Zameen Par and Aamir Khan’s character in particular is that he sticks to the characterization and goes all the way. It works to the actor’s advantage. Overall, after Dangal it is a solid comeback as a performer for the actor.
Genelia Deshmukh also makes her big screen comeback after a long gap. She looks a bit chubby compared to her haydays, but it’s not an issue at all for the role and also helps the pairing with Aamir Khan. She doesn’t get much scope to act, but in a few moments, we do see the potential, all over again.
Analysis
RS Prasanna directs Sitare Zameen Par. It is an Indian adaptation of Spanish sport drama Campions.
Sitare Zameen Par doesn’t waste time at all and gets going from the start with the opening block. It introduces the hero, his characterization, the conflict and other key player in a single stroke.
We know immediately where the film is headed. Of course, the same would be true if one has seen the trailer as well. The story is predictable and even the plotting too is in familiar terrain. What makes the narrative tick then is the individual scenes and the feel good drama it contains.
The conversations are what holds the interest in the proceedings. Bring it between the mother and son, or with the lawyer or the head of the association where the mentally challenged kids are present. They all have a heartwarming quality. Not everything is the highest level, but the earnestness is never missed.
The portions involving the subplots, especially with the wife , are a drag here. They bring the narrative to a screeching halt. Similarly, it takes time for the bonding to grow between the coach and players. These parts hold back the momentum.
However, things turn around from the pre interval mark when we get deeper into the lives of the various players and it’s revealed how they are unique in their ways individually. It’s a breeze from then onwards until the interval which is more like a pause rather than a big bang.
Post intermission, it is the drama and the interpersonal relationship between the coach and players which shine the most. The actual sport content involving Basketball is passable. It feels mechanical going through the motions ticking boxes.
The subplots again form minor roadblock in the final half an hour stretch, especially the elevator sequence and it being followed by the mother track. The message they want to convey is fine and so is the lighthearted presentation, but things look a little forced and clumsy.
The good thing though is when it matters, the all important climax, Sitare Zameen Par delivers. The final stretch involving the emotional Aamir Khan lands well to end things on a positive note.
Overall, Sitare Zameen Par is a lighthearted coming of age drama of a coach with a sports background. The character arc of the lead and the heartwarming moments involving him is the mainstay here. If a simple feel good flick is all you need, Sitare is the right outing, provided there’s no huge expectations.
Performances by Others Actors
Sitare Zameen Par is a well cast movie. Every kid is unique and good in the role they have been assigned. They along with the lead make the narrative work. Apart from them, there are a few more vitals parts like mother, and institute’s head, and they too are adequate in their parts.
Music and Other Departments?
Shankar Ehsan Loy provides the music and the background score. The songs and the bgm work well within the narrative. They are subtle and elevate the emotions without going for overbearing sound. The cinematography gives the movie a clean look. Everything looks bright and sunny and it goes well with the movie’s mood. The editing is good. There is not much lag and few moments are given space to breathe.
Coming to the Telugu version, the dubbing could have been better. Definitely it brings the overall impression a notch down.
Highlights?
Aamir Khan
Casting
Ending
Drawbacks?
Predictable Narrative
Subplots
Drags at Times
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Review by M9
