Page 36 - The Indian EYE 072525

EYE ON BOLLYWOOD JULY 25, 2025 | The Indian Eye 36

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen

Par Shines Globally, Wins Hearts

and Political Praise

The actor’s emotional sports drama has emerged as one of the biggest hits of the year,
combining powerful storytelling with an inclusive social message that’s touched

leaders, critics, and audiences alike

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Mumbai

n a year packed with commercial entertainers
and action spectacles, Aamir Khan’s deeply
Imoving sports drama Sitaare Zameen Par has
quietly — and then thunderously — become one
of 2025’s biggest cinematic successes. The sequel
to the beloved Taare Zameen Par (2007), the film
has not only crossed `100 crore at the global box
office but also ignited conversations around inclu-
sivity, empathy, and the transformative power of
storytelling.
Starring Aamir Khan as a reluctant basketball
coach assigned to train a team of neurodivergent
children, the film has struck a rare balance: heart-
felt emotion, meaningful content, and mass appeal.
It has earned praise not just from critics and viewers,
but also from politicians and world leaders, turning
it into more than a movie — it’s a cultural moment.
The film’s emotional impact isn’t limited to
India. As confirmation of its international appeal,
Sitaare Zameen Par will be showcased at the 16th
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), where
Aamir Khan has been invited as the chief guest.
Describing Khan as a “global icon,” the IFFM
praised him for creating films that transcend bor- Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, along with his co-actors, poses for a picture, during a felicitation ceremony by the Cinema Exhibi-
ders. The festival cited his previous work, particu-
larly Taare Zameen Par, as having sparked interna- tors of India after the success of the film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ in Mumbai (ANI)
tional dialogue on inclusive education, especially
across Asia and the Middle East. With Sitaare Za- The trailer, which quickly went viral, show- raising awareness about “children with learning
meen Par, Aamir has reignited that global conver- cased moments of humor, joy, and emotional in- difficulties” and pledged greater state support for
sation — this time, through the universal language tensity as Khan’s character learns from the very inclusive education. “These children are not differ-
of sports and determination. team he is supposed to train. The film resonated ent in their right to education,” he said, promising
IFFM’s statement aptly sums up the actor’s immediately upon its June 20 release — and hasn’t that the Maharashtra government would work to-
reach: “Aamir Khan stands tall as a legend who has slowed down since. wards mainstreaming children with intellectual dis-
shaped generations of cinegoers. His impact goes “This film belongs to the audience now,” Aamir abilities in schools.
beyond borders, languages, and genres.” said at a special screening in Delhi, where he was Perhaps the most moving endorsement came
Despite its niche subject matter, the film has joined by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. “We made from Tharoor recounting a moment during the
surpassed expectations at the box office, joining the it with love. And when the President of India prais- screening: “A Lok Sabha staff member was there
`100-crore club within weeks of release. For a mov- es it, when it brings tears to people’s eyes, we feel with his physically challenged daughter. Looking
ie about intellectually disabled children competing that love has reached where it was meant to.” at her smile while watching the movie made Aamir
in a basketball tournament, that figure is not just a Few films in recent memory have bridged the tear up.”
commercial win — it’s a cultural endorsement. political divide like Sitaare Zameen Par. Special What makes Sitaare Zameen Par even more
Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen screenings in both Delhi and Mumbai were attend- remarkable is the bond it creates with its viewers.
Par builds on the emotional foundation of its pre- ed by key figures across party lines. From Congress’ Audiences leave the theatre not just entertained,
decessor, but shifts gears into a fast-paced sports Shashi Tharoor to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief but changed. Children relate to the characters.
narrative. Aamir Khan plays a man sentenced to Minister Eknath Shinde, leaders have publicly Parents shed tears. Educators take notes. And
coach children with intellectual disabilities follow- commended the film. leaders take action.
ing a court order, and what begins as a punishment Tharoor described it as “an emotional and As Aamir Khan himself said, “Forget the earn-
turns into a profound personal transformation. heartwarming movie,” while Shinde lauded it for ings. A film should make the heart happy.”

www.TheIndianEYE.com