Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated return to cinema with “Sitaare Zameen Par” has struck a deep emotional chord with audiences and critics alike, drawing comparisons to his iconic 2007 film, “Taare Zameen Par.” Released on June 20, 2025, the film, a spiritual successor to the beloved original, has been lauded for its powerful message of unity, acceptance, and the inherent worth of every individual, often leaving viewers with a mix of laughter and tears.
Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, “Sitaare Zameen Par” stars Aamir Khan himself alongside Genelia Deshmukh, and introduces a talented ensemble of ten young actors who portray characters with intellectual disabilities. The film is an official remake of the 2018 Spanish hit “Campeones,” and it skillfully adapts the heartwarming narrative for an Indian context.
The story centers on Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a short-tempered and somewhat insensitive assistant basketball coach. After a series of missteps, including a drunk driving incident, he is assigned community service: coaching a team of young adults with learning disabilities. Initially resistant and dismissive, Gulshan embarks on a transformative journey as he interacts with his new team, eventually learning profound lessons about empathy, acceptance, and the true meaning of “normalcy.”
Early reviews highlight the film’s ability to balance humor with deep emotional resonance. Critics have praised the honest performances, particularly from the young actors, who are the true “sitaare” (stars) of the film. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Gulshan’s evolution from a cynical coach to an empathetic mentor has also garnered appreciation, though some viewers noted a slight echo of his past characters.
While the film addresses serious themes of destigmatizing attitudes towards people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual difficulties, it is lauded for avoiding a preachy tone. Instead, it uses humor and heartfelt moments to convey its message, inviting audiences to embrace diversity and celebrate individuality. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, complements the narrative, creating an uplifting atmosphere.
Despite a reportedly slow start at the box office, opening with less than ₹10 crore on its first day, the positive word-of-mouth and strong emotional connection it forged with initial audiences are expected to drive its performance. Many reviews emphasize that “Sitaare Zameen Par” is a film meant to be experienced in a packed theatre, where the collective laughter and sniffles enhance its impact.
“Sitaare Zameen Par” reaffirms Aamir Khan’s commitment to cinema that not only entertains but also sparks important conversations and delivers a powerful social message, proving that some stories have so much heart, they genuinely break your heart in the most beautiful way.
Key Highlights:
- Aamir Khan’s new film “Sitaare Zameen Par,” a spiritual successor to “Taare Zameen Par,” has been released and is praised for its emotional depth and message of unity and acceptance.
- The film features Aamir Khan as a basketball coach assigned to a team of young adults with intellectual disabilities, leading to his personal transformation.
- Critics commend the film’s balance of humor and emotion, honest performances (especially by the young actors), and its non-preachy approach to destigmatizing disabilities.
- Despite a slow box office start, positive word-of-mouth suggests the film’s heartfelt narrative is resonating deeply with audiences.