Premise: Aamir Khan is a basketball coach who gets suspended by the committee and has been ordered to do public service, to coach basketball for a group of intellectually disabled youngsters. The mutual learning in the process forms the crux of the story.

Writing/ Direction: Given the content, a story about a group of intellectually disabled people who make their way big in basketball, it is sure to become easily likeable for all audiences. The film never tries to get sympathy votes and it is its biggest strength, rather it beautifully showcases their happy natured side despite the shortcomings. Aamir Khan on the other hand is a rough guy who is not open to evolve by listening to the world, the contradiction is what makes this one special. The equation between Aamir Khan and the team he is coaching is presented in such a sweet manner. How the hero slowly learns to understand others through the superstars is shown in a believable way. There are many memorable scenes throughout the movie, the unique interval block taking place inside the bathroom, the noble takeaway in the climax, etc. Plenty of hilarious moments to laugh and cheer for, humour is so lively and nothing is forced jumping from the characterizations. Aamir Khan’s personal side, his marriage and his equation with his mother felt disjoint initially, thankfully both these subplots get great transformation arcs in the second half. Barring the finals, the other basketball matches felt like they were choreographed one-sidedly with no big competitiveness. Has some dry patches at places and a few aspects do feel repetitive. Also, the film misses out on providing a tearjerker impact like we experienced in Taare Zameen Par, yet it does offer happy tears at the end as the light-hearted tonality was maintained from the start.

Performances: Takes a little time for Aamir Khan’s eccentric facial expressions to settle, once it is set, there is no stopping the man’s unmatched reactions to the crazy behaviour of his students. He scores big time in the emotional ending as well. Many good supporting roles, fine act by Genelia and the artist who played Aamir Khan’s mother too. The Sardarji who is in charge of the students did exceptionally well in addition to his lovely role. Perfect casting choices with respect to the autistic artists, they all had their own unique characteristics and the film feels refreshing because of each one of their presence. Plus, it is impossible to pick favourites among them as they have been given perfectly equal spacing.

Technicalities: Apart from the instant chartbuster title track of the movie, the other songs miss carrying that special quality. Same issue with the background score as well, not that it is bad, but something was definitely off, that extra push to make it a classic. Sensible camera work by keeping things simple, slow motion shots are such valuable assets in making the subject relatable, and the single shot sequence in the end is a winner. Just some minor lags and no unwanted blocks added for the sake of it, the film never bores and the 155 minutes runtime is rightly justified.

Verdict: A dramedy about intellectually disabled people that spreads positivity, it never gets into the depressing space and allows us to watch it with a constant smile on our faces. With no big complaints, this one is sure to grow big in our hearts. 

SITAARE ZAMEEN PAR - A Warm Hug!

Rating - 3.25/ 5.