Aamir Khan plays Gulshan, a temperamental basketball coach suspended from his job and assigned to three months community service by the court after a bout of drunk driving: training a team of special needs players for a tournament. What begins as an obligation soon transforms into a journey of self-discovery. Through his daily interactions with young men on the autism spectrum, with Down syndrome, and a range of other neurodivergent conditions, Gulshan undergoes a slow but powerful transformation, from emotionally stunted to emotionally aware, from self-absorbed to empathetic.
In typical Aamir Khan fashion, the story focuses not just on external conflict but the inner evolution of its protagonist. Gulshan’s strained relationship with his wife Sunita (Genelia Deshmukh), and his deeper emotional baggage stemming from his abandonment by his father, offer poignant context to his behaviour. While this subplot could have been more thoroughly explored, it still provides a meaningful undercurrent to the central narrative.
What truly elevates the film is its refusal to turn the neurodivergent characters into objects of pity or ridicule. The humour is situational, warm, and often deeply affecting, grounded in the absurdities of life rather than caricature. The laughs flow naturally, without ever compromising dignity. This balancing act is no small feat, and it’s a testament to the sensitivity of both Prasanna’s direction and Khan’s performance.
The neurodivergent actors are nothing short of revelatory. Their performances are raw, unaffected, and brimming with sincerity. Watching them on screen is a reminder that representation matters, and when done right, it can be both powerful and profound. Gurpal Singh, playing the director of the special needs sports complex, emerges as a calm, grounding presence, the moral centre of the film.
Genelia Deshmukh brings tenderness and restraint to her role as Gulshan’s wife, though one wishes the narrative had given her character more dimension. Dolly Ahluwalia and Brajendra Kala, in their limited screen time, leave a lasting impression with their quicksilver expressions and seasoned performances.
But at the heart of it all is Aamir Khan. He lends the role his signature blend of emotional intelligence and comic timing. With every twitch of the brow or flicker of recognition in his eyes, you sense the character’s gradual awakening. It’s a performance of quiet conviction, laced with both vulnerability and charm.
Director R.S. Prasanna deserves accolades for taking a well-worn sports drama template and infusing it with fresh meaning and cultural specificity. The “Indianisation” of the script feels organic, never forced. The film retains the structure of Champions but enriches it with its own soul.
Sitaare Zameen Par is not just about basketball or redemption, it’s a subtle but stirring reminder that children and adults with special needs don’t require our sympathy, but our respect, understanding, and above all, our love. More than anything else, it asks us to broaden our definition of what it means to be “normal” and to embrace difference with an open heart.
This is a film that teaches while it entertains, without ever being preachy. It holds up a mirror to society and nudges us to be kinder, gentler, and more accepting. And for that alone, it deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.
Also Read: PHOTOS: Aamir Khan, Gauri Spratt, Genelia DSouza And More At Sitaare Zameen Par’s Screening
