‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ review: Netizens laud Aamir Khan’s movie as an ‘emotional roller coaster’

After a three-year break from cinema, Aamir Khan has returned to the silver screen with ‘Sitaare Zameen Par,’ and early online reactions suggest the wait was worth it. Social media platforms lit up just hours after the film’s release, with netizens praising its emotional depth, powerful messaging, and the sincerity of its performances.

Directed by RS Prasanna, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is being hailed not just as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 classic ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ but also as a standalone triumph. While the earlier film spotlighted the struggles of a child with dyslexia, this new story shifts focus to a basketball court, where unity, resilience, and kindness take centre stage.

Though not a direct sequel, the emotional resonance of the original is carried forward. Viewers have lauded the film for its portrayal of specially-abled children and the nuanced performance of Khan, who plays a troubled assistant basketball coach. His character, Gulshan Arora, is sentenced to community service after a violent altercation and a drink-driving offence, forcing him to train a team of intellectually disabled children—a journey that slowly changes his outlook on life.

The film is also the official Hindi remake of the acclaimed Spanish movie ‘Campeones.’ Many have commented on the absence of a typical antagonist in the story, with conflict instead arising from inner struggles, social stigma, and the need for acceptance.

Genelia Deshmukh plays a pivotal role alongside Khan, adding a moving emotional counterweight to the story. Meanwhile, newcomers Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharmaa, Naman Misra, Rishi Shahani, and Rishabh Jain have been widely appreciated for their honest and heartfelt performances.

One user on X wrote, “If you skip Sitaare Zameen Par in theatres, next time don't complain that bollywood doesn't make good films.”

Another user wrote, “Yes, it’s a remake of Champions, but wow, the heart it brings is real. Aamir delivers with sincerity, and the debut actors steal the show. Emotional, uplifting, and worth your time.”

“This film is more than just about 'stars.' It’s emotional, powerful & truly special,” wrote another X user.

Yet another user wrote, “Sitaare Zameen Par is an emotional rollercoaster which makes you laugh and cry at the same time Aamir Khan delivers top-notch performance after a long time. The entire cast has done a splendid job and even with cliches, this one is a beautiful watch.”

For fans of ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ the film offers a modern-day reflection of the same soul-stirring sentiment—with the added energy of sport.