Film: Sitaare Zameen Par

Cast: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh

Directed by: R.S. Prasanna

Duration: 2 hours 38 minutes

Rating: * * * *

A film that entertains, tugs your heart strings, addresses important societal issues, and retains the feel-good factor has become increasingly rare in Bollywood. Even though it is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champions (which also had a Hollywood remake with Woody Harrelson, a few years later) Sitaare Zameen Par, with all its highs and lows, manages to come out triumphant. To be sure, there are far more highs than lows in this film directed by R.S. Prasanna.

The adaptation by Divy Nidhi Sharma successfully captures nearly all the essential elements. When a film addresses the sensitive topic of neurodivergent children, the challenge lies in determining how preachy it should be and how much needs to be 'explained' to the audience. Given that the general awareness of such issues in our country tends to be limited, sometimes you need a sledge hammer approach to drive the point, across the board.

The film opens with a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about our 'divyang' friends who will be seen as an inspiration to the whole world, when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Independence. What follows through the story of the film is a strong message of diversity, inclusivity and empathy.

This is indeed a sports film, featuring the story of underdogs and a coach who initially prefers to distance himself from them. However, what distinguishes Sitaare is its ability to intertwine various issues while providing ample entertainment.

Moreover, for a refreshing change, this film does not include a villain-there is no malevolent character throughout the entire story. How many Bollywood films can claim that? Very few, I would argue. In fact, this film goes even further by celebrating the opponents as well. To me, that subtle detail was the highlight of the film.

Aamir Khan plays Gulshan, an assistant basketball coach who is assigned community service by the court. In Lagaan (2001), he was the captain of a ragtag cricket team; here, he is the coach of a group of neurodivergent children from diverse backgrounds and varying conditions. Initially, he struggles to connect with them due to his lack of sensitivity in these matters. The screenplay cleverly guides the audience through his journey of self-awareness and understanding of others.

The characters are portrayed by differently-abled individuals who deliver performances akin to seasoned actors. The eclectic group includes Bantu (Vedant Sharma), who keeps his finger in his ear (he is also related to the judge who sentenced Gulshan), Sunil (Ashish Pendse), a parking attendant who monitors flight timings in the sky, Lotus (Ayush Bhanushali), who works in a dye factory and sports a vibrant hairstyle, Guddu (Gopi Krishnan Varma), who adores pets but suffers from aquaphobia and has not bathed in a long time, and Kareem (Samvit Desai), a dishwasher in a hotel who faces harassment from his employer. Additionally, there is Golu (Simran Mangeshkar), the sole female member of the team, whose interpretation of "poora khatam kardu?" (should I finish it off completely?) involves kicking the best opposing player in the groin.

Ultimately, Gulshan begins to engage with the children and teaches them the fundamentals of basketball. Kareem enjoys throwing the ball with his back to the basket, which serves as clever foreshadowing.

The film raises awareness about these special children and makes a concerted effort to clarify what constitutes 'normal' and what does not. It even provides an explanation regarding chromosomes and the minor mix-ups that can lead to Down syndrome and other forms of neurodivergence.

Gulshan's personal life is a mess - he is married to Sunita (Genelia Deshmukh) but they don't live together- he stays with his mom (Dolly Ahluwalia). The storyline is somewhat predictable; one can anticipate how all the loose ends will be resolved, but it is the journey to? that resolution that distinguishes this film. Additionally, themes of redemption and self-awareness are present. There is a recurring joke regarding Gulshan's height and his unsuitability as a basketball coach.

The cast is the highlight of the film - Aamir Khan looks a bit self-aware in some of the scenes but most of the times, he is on the money. It is the supporting cast that steals the show and your hearts. Credit is also due to the director for extracting such wonderful performances.

Like Taare, Sitaare is also a special film.

Film: 28 Years Later

Cast: Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes

Directed by: Danny Boyle

Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes

Rating: * * * ?

The zombies have returned following a significant hiatus. Although it did not initially present itself as a zombie series in 2001 with 28 Days Later, it gradually evolved into one. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland stepped away from their respective positions for the sequel 28 Weeks Later (2007), but they have returned for 28 Years Later, a stylishly crafted post-apocalyptic thriller. The distinctive touches of Boyle are evident in the direction, while Garland's influence is apparent in the screenplay.

At the outset, there is a sort of prologue that provides insight into the current situation and how the Rage virus emerged, along with the story of a young boy who managed to escape. Twenty-eight years after the outbreak on a remote island, we meet Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his ailing wife Isla (Jodie Comer), and their son Spike (Alfie Williams). Civilisation has crumbled, cities are in ruins, and nature is beginning to reclaim the Earth. The Rage Virus, once believed to be extinct, re-emerges under mysterious circumstances, posing a threat to the few remaining survivors scattered across isolated communities. The film delves into themes of survival, memory, and the remnants of humanity in a world that has been irrevocably scarred.

Jamie takes Spike to the mainland to provide him with some training when the zombies attack - this time, there is also an Alpha who is significantly stronger, angrier, and more difficult to kill.

As they navigate their way back, they notice a fire burning in the distance, which Jamie dismisses off. Meanwhile, Spike is solely focused on healing his sick mother, but options are limited until he learns about Dr. Kelson, a survivor of the outbreak who may be able to cure her. He then sets off on a quest in search of the good doctor (Ralph Fiennes) alongside his mother.

The production is top notch - the landscapes are mostly bleak and occasionally breath taking, evoking a haunting sense of abandonment. It is also a fast evolving world, much like ours but under different circumstances. There are also some thrilling chases and the climax sets the stage for the next instalment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set for release next year.

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