How would it feel if you were constantly told by your family and every other adult you knew that you will never amount to anything? That all you can be is a troublemaker and nothing more than that. Ishaan Awasthi grows up in a household that turns a blind eye to who can be, but focuses aplenty on what he isn’t. Constantly compared to the one person most supportive of him, his brother, Ishaan’s grades and behaviour lead him to a boarding school. It isn’t any better here. If not worse, and he is on the brink of giving up, until he is introduced to their new art teacher, temporary as he may be. Ram Shankar Nilumbh and Ishan Awasthi go down as one of Indian cinema’s most memorable and important teacher-student pairings.
Taare Zameen Par is a film that instils hope, and one of those great films that will never fail to make you feel emotional. It is made with so much heart, and it keeps in mind that this is not a film that tries to glorify any situation, but rather makes friends with logic and reason, with a few sprinkles of magic. As Ishan begins to find a friend and mentor in Ram, his talents catch the teacher’s eye. At a young age, a child is extremely impressionable, and Ram understands this. Ishan deserves love and praise. Who doesn’t? Heartbreaking is the moment when Ishan’s father, Nandkishore, visits the school upon understanding better about his son’s dyslexia. He observes his son reading from a board, and this moment alone is enough to move you to tears. It isn’t until right at the end that the film crescendoes into one of the most poignant climax sequences you’ll see- To feel is involuntary.
Taare Zameen Par is a rare triumph that makes you realise the importance of a good teacher. They don’t just teach you a subject; they prepare you for life. Aamir Khan is one of the finest actors of our times, and his every reaction is an indication of the same. He has moments in his films where he is able to encapsulate several thoughts and emotions through one simple expression. Darsheel Safary plays Ishan Awasthi in a way that we would recognise his character before being able to name him. His character provokes you to think so much, and this is considering Ishan has such less dialogue in the entirety of the film.
It is no surprise that the film is etched in the history books of great movies produced in the country. What truly works here is the honesty towards emotion, rather than the exploitation of it. It is heartbreaking, it is painful, but it is ever so hopeful. It is a film that empowers you to believe that in spite of all the darkness we are surrounded by, and no matter how much the world tells you to give up, there will always be people who will remind you that it isn’t the belief of others that matters. Once you believe in yourself, the world will follow suit
Published – October 10, 2025 03:51 pm IST
