Tare Zameen Par

The best thing about "Taare Zameen Par", besides as a film, is perhaps is its timing considering the rising instances of corporal punishment by teachers in schools. The film not only tells a story of a Dyslexic child who has difficulty in reading and writing, but also reflects the "understated terror" low-scoring students go through in schools and at homes due to high expectations.

The film is about a 'Taara' (gifted children) Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary), a class third student who whenever tries to read find the letters dancing in front of him and makes mirror images of letters in his notebook. And as many parents do, they scold him for failing in third standard and continuing to be a low(est) scorer in the class.

Not able to cope up with his "normal" classmates, this boy with "above normal intelligence" stands outside his class perpetually. So, in the "free time" he gets, this "bindaas" kid likes to explore "inane" things like bright colours, fishes, stars, planets etc. which make his world.

But sadly, his over-ambitious busy executive father and discipline-demanding-ruthless teachers don't appreciate his idea of life as they have a responsibility to "prepare him for the race of life".

The frustrated parents, who ignore his other talents, punish him by sending him to a boarding school, as his "topper" brother - who concedes to his special ability to solve difficult puzzles and paint - looks on.

The only other person who spots his potential as a painter is his art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan) at the boarding school, who later helps the child overcome his loss of confidence and shine above all.

A pure fun for the kids, the film is equally fun for the parents besides a message to for them be sensitive towards their children's dreams and abilities. The eleven-year-old Darsheel Safary is an absolute delight before intermission and a revelation of talent in second half.

He with his exploration of happiness in nature makes you realise the missing essence of life and you can't help but envy him. He carries off the entire first half on his shoulders, that too without Aamir Khan, and succeeds too. A student of Shiamak Davar's dance workshop, Darsheel impresses in many scene than just one and even where she share the screen space all-alone.

Aamir, who as an actor enters the film only by interval, makes an impressive debut as a director. He lends respect to the sensitive subject is chose for his "accidental" maiden directorial venture by his equally concerned treatment. (Aamir went behind the camera for "Taare..." after a lot of names including writer Amol Gupte didn't materialise.)

The only thing that perhaps does not gel well with the film Aamir's fashionable attire for the character he plays. Coupled with his trendy hair do and cool casuals, his college-goer look kind of distracts attention from the otherwise almost flawless film.

Even otherwise, the perfectionist needs applause for his dare to attempt such non-masala stuff, and that too for his debut as a director.

Also, all those who criticised Ashutosh Gowarikar for using "documentary Indian faces" in his Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Swades" are in for surprise. This film has some nice documentary footage of underprivileged kids along with closing credits, and audience cherished their energy, joy and optimism.

The film has cinematography by Setu,lyrics by Prasoon Joshi and music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Enjoyable for all, the film is a must watch for those who have with kids studying in primary classes and below, and, last but not the least, their teachers.