Sitaare Zameen Par: Bollywood Juggernaut Aamir Khan Plays Second Fiddle to a Cast of New, Neurodiverse Talents

Limitless talent and about four decades of professional experience have rarely seen Bollywood powerhouse, Aamir Khan, upstaged in a film. But with "Sitaare Zameen Par" (Stars on Earth), we see the tables turn as Khan graciously steps into the shadows, making way for a group of lively, neurodiverse, newbie actors who steal the show, shamelessly and flawlessly at that!

Casting maestros Tess Joseph and Anmol Ahuja assemble a fantastic ensemble cast who, despite being mostly first-timers, deliver unforgettable performances. Hilariously refreshing on-screen moments include an exchange between characters regarding a girlfriend who works as a sex worker. The film’s catchy tagline highlights this idiosyncrasy, "Sabka apna apna normal hai” (“everyone has their own normal”).

Inspired by the 2018 Spanish hit "Champions", Indian director R. S. Prasanna and writer Divy Nidhi Sharma have, with a dash of creative audacity, sprinkled some new scenes into the plot. In particular, a scene with Khan's character Gulshan courting a conundrum with his mother, Preeto, is an added attraction. The delightful nuance lends a fresh perspective, leaving the audience wishing for more such imaginative interpretations.

"Sitaare Zameen Par" straps you in for an unexpected journey with a severe, dislikable basketball coach, Gulshan (played by Khan), punished for a DUI and ordered to train neurodiverse adults as part of his community service. With his life in tatters, Gulshan comes off as obnoxious and foul-mouthed. But this tough exterior gradually softens as he learns from his unexpected teachers – his players. Uplifting lessons pour in as Gulshan realizes that societal norms are not always right or fair.

Director Prasanna, famous for breezily dealing with sensitive subjects in his previous film "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" (Let the Marriage Be Fruitful), brings to this film his knack for injecting humor into complex issues. His kind and inclusive perspective shines through, transforming the audience's perspective on normalcy and success, turning the film into a deeply humanizing experience.

While the film occasionally overdoes it with its moral lessons, Khan's charming performance manages to make it a palatable, even delightful watch. Filled with emotions, the film dives deep into sentimentality, potentially even prompting viewers to reconsider their biases or prejudices. While it doesn't quite reach the emotional depth of its predecessor "Taare Zameen Par", "Sitaare Zameen Par" is bound to leave you smiling, pondering on life, and well-worth a watch for its fresh and vibrant cast.