What exactly is normal? It is a line of thought, established as the most usual or expected by the world, which normally we aren’t allowed to deviate from.
But is this normal a ‘new normal' or a ‘new abnormal’?
To dissect further into the standard man-made norms, perhaps one should buy a ticket into the Grand Museum of Stars to watch ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, where you will get to see and feel the various charming shades of ‘normal’.
Even if every character in the film is ‘normal’ in their own way, you walk out feeling that 150 minutes can never be sufficient to showcase the ‘Sabka Apna Apna Normal’. It’s heartening to see topics that matter finally being showcased through meaningful cinema instead of being dominated by mindless action, vitriolic hate, violence and propaganda.
For a mainstream actor to take the risk to embrace a neurodivergent theme with a story that inspires, educates and challenges preconceived notions, is also commendable. And for those who aren’t aware about something as important as neurodiversity, movies like these act as a bridge for information.
The emotional texture of the story is grounded in a world that feels real. The film has been accused of being a lazy replica of the original Spanish ‘Campeones’; a stale rehash of the American remake ‘Champions’; a sad sequel to ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and an emotional drama that will appeal to only a niche audience.
But what is wrong with a remake, especially if the outcome educates and creates an emotional impact? What is wrong with a sequel, even if it doesn’t live up to the spiritual standards of the prequel? And what is ‘neesh’ except a foreign word that bamboozles us with its pronunciation.
If TZP explored the silent struggles of a dyslexic child, SZP expands the canvas to a broader and equally crucial issue- the dreams of differently abled children who are often misunderstood or overlooked by an indifferent society that cannot perceive their potential. TZP had an emotional transcendence because it flowed like poetry and with its quiet magic it whispered. SZP is louder, flashier, more prosaic, but still manages to cultivate its own raw honesty.
When you're chasing the impossible standard set by a masterpiece, even good can feel like not enough. However, if you are familiar with the concepts of Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion, you will qualify among the ‘niche’.
The story is standard- of underdogs becoming Champions. A homophobic Basketball coach’s professional job slowly turns into a personal mission, transforming into a life-changing journey of self-discovery as his players end up teaching him the true meaning of empathy, teamwork, and humanity.
What is also laudable is that it doesn’t exploit disability for sympathy. It gracefully avoids turning the ‘players’ into objects of pity and charmingly celebrates the individuality of characters brimming with a unique charm and resilience. Their stories aren’t just side notes because each child’s journey is given space. They are the essence of the film, gently reminding an amnesic world about the power of kindness, compassion, belief and dedication. In short the film is a slam dunk of soul and spirit.
When a baby is born with an extra chromosome and doesn’t fit the normal mould, deep rooted stigmas rise, leading to their isolation and exclusion. Sadly in some cultures any kind of ‘disability’ is viewed through a lens of social hierarchy or even labeled a curse.. ‘Deformed’, ‘Paagal’ and ‘Abnormal’ are cruel words used to describe these special children. No one cares to find out that every child has these small packages of genes that determine how their body forms and functions. Even one ‘extra’ chromosome can play havoc in their system, either delaying the child’s mental and physical development, or making them different.
Sitare Zameen Par is a luminous reminder of this brilliant scientific fact. For the not so ‘niche’ audience it is also a lesson. Every child is special. Every voice matters. And no dream is too big if someone believes in you. And just because a ‘Sitaara’ twinkles differently, it should not go unnoticed.
What brings a powerful authenticity, lending rawness and emotional weight to the narrative, is the fact that children with Autism and Down Syndrome have been cast alongside actors. This bold move is what makes moments feel genuinely lived rather than performed. The chemistry between the ‘stars’ and the ‘sitaare’ is heartwarming, evoking laughter and tears in equal measure.
Wrapped in a compelling package that speaks directly to the heart, this social commentary is also a celebration of individuality, resilience, and the power of human connection. Since the theme is universal, it’s relatable to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, becoming an experience that literally awakens your conscience.
But even as the strings of your heart are being tugged, don’t forget to remember the most remarkable feature in this film. It is not an attempt to fix what the heartless world considers malformed. Instead it is an attempt to show the ‘abnormal’ world how it can adapt itself to accept and embrace all kinds of normal.
If anything sparks conversations, encourages introspection and leaves you with a renewed sense of hope and understanding, it isn’t just a movie - it's a mirror, a message. A movement!
‘All Is Well’ was the slogan given to us by ‘The Three Idiots’ to chant whenever we felt let down. Now we have a new normal jingle. So the next time you feel irritated with people; devastated by their behavior; annoyed by their actions; or angry with their manners, don’t over think. Don’t judge. Just chant this new mantra ‘Sabka Apna Apna Normal Hai’. And move on.
Nargis Natarajan is a columnist and author. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.