Despite its lofty intentions and emotional appeal, Aamir Khan’s much awaited Sitaare Zameen Par ultimately comes across as overly ambitious in its attempt to inspire. Positioned as a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par, this film again puts children, emotion, and education at its core—but trades nuance for overt sentimentality.
The Good
Aamir’s sincerity is undeniable. His performance and direction are full of heart. The child actors deliver endearing performances that will resonate with families. The message of believing in every child’s potential is timeless and touching.
The Not-So-Good
The narrative lacks the nuanced spark that made Taare Zameen Par a classic and comes across as conventional and unduly emotional. The emotional effect of some situations is diminished by their over-stretching and melodramatic elements. At times, the tempo drags, giving the impression that it is more of a lesson than a story.
Conclusion
While Sitaare Zameen Par aims for the stars with its emotional pitch and hopeful message, it ends up more of a slow-moving orbit than a shooting star. Yes, it’s sweet, but snoozy.
