Aamir Khan’s latest, Sitaare Zameen Par, dropped in theaters on June 20, 2025, bringing a dose of heart and humor to the big screen. Directed by R.S. Prasanna, this sports comedy-drama is a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par (2007) and a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champions. With Aamir leading alongside Genelia Deshmukh and a talented group of debutant actors, the film’s got a lot of buzz. So, does it live up to the hype? Here’s the lowdown in a natural, no-frills take.
The Plot: From Jerk to Joyful
Sitaare Zameen Par follows Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a cocky basketball coach with a short fuse. After slugging his senior coach and crashing into a police van while drunk, he’s dodging jail with community service: coaching a team of neurodivergent adults—many with Down syndrome or autism—for a national basketball tournament. Gulshan’s rough around the edges, tossing out insensitive jabs like “paagal” at first, but working with these players flips his world, teaching him about kindness, teamwork, and what “normal” really means.
The story, penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma, keeps the core of Champions but adds Indian flavor with family ties and humor. It’s less about the scoreboard and more about personal growth, weaving in Gulshan’s rocky marriage with Suneeta (Genelia Deshmukh) and his bond with his mom (Dolly Ahluwalia).
The Good Stuff: Heart, Humor, and Heroes
Aamir is in top form as Gulshan, nailing the shift from smug jerk to a guy you root for. His comic timing shines, especially in early scenes, and he leans into self-deprecating gags about his height (hello, “Tingu” jokes). Genelia brings warmth as Suneeta, though her role feels a bit thin. The real standouts, though, are the ten neurodivergent actors—Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta, Ayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, Gopi Krishna Varma, Rishabh Jain, Vedant Sharma, Simran Mangeshkar, Samvit Desai, and Naman Mishra. They light up the screen with raw energy, humor, and heart. A scene with Sunil (Pendse) hits hard, and you’ll need tissues.
The film’s humor is a big win, with laugh-out-loud moments like Brijendra Kala’s cameo and the team’s goofy antics. It tackles disability with respect, choosing laughs over pity and dropping lines like “everyone’s got their own normal.” It’s refreshing and feels authentic without getting preachy.
The Not-So-Great: Draggy and Predictable
At 2 hours and 39 minutes, Sitaare Zameen Par feels long. The second half slows down, and the climax leans too hard into sappy territory. Some plot points, like the team magically sorting out travel funds, feel too convenient. A tighter edit could’ve trimmed 15 minutes for a sharper pace. The soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with songs like “Sar Aankhon Pe Mere” and “Good for Nothing,” is nice but doesn’t stick with you like Taare Zameen Par’s music did.
As a remake, it’s predictable, and some fans on X call it a near shot-for-shot copy of Champions. The basketball focus might not click as much with Indian audiences—cricket or football could’ve felt more relatable. It’s heartfelt but doesn’t always push the original story to new heights.
The Verdict: Worth Your Time?
Sitaare Zameen Par isn’t Taare Zameen Par—it’s lighter, less profound—but it’s a fun, warm watch that’ll make you laugh and tear up. The runtime and remake roots hold it back from being a classic, but the performances, especially from the neurodivergent cast, make it special. It’s a movie about inclusion that feels real, not forced. Grab some popcorn and catch it for the vibes—you won’t regret it, even if it’s not a perfect score.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars