Sitaare Zameen Par Review: Aamir Khan Delivers a Warm Hug and a Dose of Soulful Laughter

One of the infrequent films that serves as a reminder that there is still good in the world is Sitaare Zameen Par. It gives you comfort in knowing that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of how bleak things get. This film highlights some of the greatest aspects of being human, including kindness, hope, love, and laughter.
When Aamir Khan announced he was making a spiritual sequel to his 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par, no one really knew what to expect. This new film isn’t quite as emotionally intense or tear-jerking, but it still makes you laugh and hits you right in the heart with its message.
At its core, Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports drama about Gulshan (Aamir Khan), a selfish, emotionally closed-off basketball coach who’s forced to train a team of neurodivergent kids. At first, he looks down on them and thinks they’ll never be “normal.” He even compares them to awkward wedding guests dancing without any rhythm.
Gulshan's life appears to be going great on the outside, but everything is collapsing behind closed doors. He has been suspended for publicly slapping Delhi's head basketball coach, and his marriage is in disarray. Gulshan is still unaware that he faces more of a personal challenge than the team. Before he can truly recover, he must confront his personal issues.
We witness the development of a traditional underdog tale with a new, humorous twist as he begins to connect with Team Sitaare and aids them in making it to the tournament finals. The film's humour and lightheartedness are maintained by director RS Prasanna and writer Divy Nidhi Sharma, who make every joke and poignant moment seem real. Aamir Khan does excellent expressive acting. This film surprises you with its warmth and humour, unlike Taare Zameen Par, which was filled with heartfelt moments.
The only downside? It runs a little long — almost two hours and 40 minutes — and the second half can drag a bit. A tighter edit would have made it flow better.
Throughout the film, Khan encourages us to live boldly and keep kindness at the center of who we are. His signature expressions — raised eyebrows, self-pitying looks — give you a peek into a man on a journey of self-discovery. Khan’s characters often challenge us to be better people. Sometimes it gets a bit preachy, but mostly it leaves you hopeful. When life knocks you down, when you feel weak or lost, Khan’s stories remind you to try again and find joy in the little things.
Sitaare Zameen Par quietly pushes you to get up, take a deep breath, notice the small wonders around you, and give life another chance.
What’s beautiful about this film is its simplicity. It’s not trying to be overly clever or heavy with symbolism. It’s just a straightforward story with heart. And when it makes you laugh, it really makes you laugh — way better than the cheap, sexist comedies you often see.
Brijendra Kala and Dolly Ahluwalia are delightful, and the young cast — Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta, Aayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, and others — shine alongside Khan, giving some of the best supporting performances of his career. Khan’s effortless charm leads the way, but the kids bring the real warmth and joy to the screen.
Genelia D’Souza, as Suneeta, is a refreshing presence. She plays a mature, grounded woman who gives her emotionally troubled husband many chances to reconnect.
You don’t need to brace yourself before watching Sitaare Zameen Par. It flows naturally — one moment you’re quietly soaking it in, the next you’re laughing out loud. Its humor is the film’s strongest suit, and the performances are its heart.
Aamir Khan returns with a gentle touch and a promise: this is a story for everyone, no matter your age or background, embracing every kind of “normal.” Because everyone’s normal — including yours — is valid and worth celebrating.