‘Every Child Is Special’…..this is said at the very outset of Taare Zameen Par…..a film that is very ‘special’ in itself.
Lets get to the basics… Ishaan Awasthi(Darsheel Safary) is a dyslexic kid who is a natural free thinker. He’s bothered more about birds, dogs, painting, kites and even fishes rather than homework, studies and textbooks. His parents, sick and tired of complains from neighbours and his school put him in a boarding. He feels lonely there too and gets drawn into a shell… a shell where he creates his own universe full of creative imaginations. Enter Ram Shankar Nikhumbh(Aamir Khan), an art teacher who is a free thinker too. He gives confidence to little Ishaan and helps him channelize his creativity. They form a bond and Ishaan finally begins to understand himself.
To be honest I think Darsheel Safary can easily be nominated for a National Award for 2007. He’s immensely believable as Ishaan bringing out emotions like love, anger, dejection, fear, sorrow, joy, surprise, despair… you name it with absolute ease…add to that his ‘bugs bunny’ teeth give him a slightly goofy look which is so important to the character. Kudos to the casting director. Aamir Khan, the ever dependable actor… a noteworthy performance as an empathizing teacher who believes in Ishaan. I think its very important to note that Aamir is NOT the central character of this film… in fact he’s not there for the entire first half (well I think some 1 minute introduction before the interval can barely qualify as screen presence) and yet he shines. Another actor who I think is highly underrated is Tisca Chopra… playing a role of a perfect housewife and a loving mother to near perfection. I’ve watched her in many soaps on the small screen and always felt she had the potential….truly one woman who deserves more space in films today.
What works for Taare Zameen Par:
- A superb story and screenplay….not once do you feel that the focus of the film moves away from the centre… neither does any frame look forced into the narrative.
- Direction… must say Aamir and Amol(Creative Director) seem to have done loads of research before beginning this project. Every frame is handled maturely and with utmost sensitivity keeping in mind that this is a ‘movie about kids’ and NOT a ‘kids movie’.
- Terrific song picturisations… trust me i’ve not seen such good song picturisations in quite a long time. The last good song picturisations I felt were done for Dil Chahta Hai. This one was a real fresh experience.
- Darsheel Safary… the free thinker who sees creativity where others see nothing. Man…this kid is going places if directed well.
What does against Taare Zameen Par:
Yes… despite being a wonderful film it does have its lows….
- Ishaan’s frustration and anger are well explained… but his arrogance was something I felt was half baked. Why does he need to be arrogant? Now please don’t say that nobody found him arrogant in any frame.
- The first half is a little slow. It could have been trimmed. Comparatively the second half was far superior, faster and well graphed as far as Ishaan’s character development is concerned.
Blooper: When Ishaan leaves the dormitory early at dawn before anyone wakes up we see that the dorm is actually empty. Atleast I did not see the legs or head of a single kid on any bed in the dorm.
Good Scenes:
- Ishaan’s first scene in the school where he’s catching fish.
- Aamir’s chat with Ishaan’s parents at their home.
- Aamir’s talk with Ishaan’s dad about the Solomon Islands.
- The final 10-15 minutes….the entire art competition scene is wonderful.
My Verdict:
I think Aamir just proved us a point… we always knew he was an exceptional actor, an able producer(else he wouldn’t have risked his money for a film like Lagaan which was quite a gamble and don’t forget it was Ashutosh Gowariker’s first attempt at direction). This time he dons the cap of the ‘director’ and with utmost confidence I should say. Taare Zameen Par is a beautifully made film which attempts to make a free thinker out of the viewer and succeeds to a very large extent. A must watch for everyone.
What other critics have to say:
… pace of the first half gives you time to think of normal children who are just not academically inclined. The resolution in the second half, however, comes by too quickly compared to the trauma shown earlier. But, I guess, if the point is to show that difficulties can be overcome, you don’t necessarily want to show how difficult it is to overcome them … Meeta Kabra [Without giving the movie away] |
…is the right wheels that Aamir Khan has chosen for his directorial debut. Entertainment and enlightenment go hand-in-hand in this socially relevant movie. No finger of our hands is of the same height and similarly every child is different and unique in their own ways. Aamir Khan has handled the delicate subject with maturity and precision. From the first scene to the last, you feel a strong bond grow between you and Ishaan for whom you tend to feel deeply for. Throughout the movie the focus…. Ashok Nayak [nowrunning.com] |
… an impressive debut indeed for filmmaker Aamir Khan, and showcases a brilliant performance by the young Darsheel Safary — one of those child actors you can’t possibly resist. More than just dyslexia, the film is a look at childhood dreamers who feel shunted out by the rest of the world, the cruel world that doesn’t understand them. At some level … Raja Sen [Rediff Movies] |
… we thought only Iranian filmmakers understood that Children were of and from Heaven. But that’s because Iranian cinema is replete with delightful, soul-stirring insights into all that’s wrong in the adult world, through the unaltered vision of a child. … Nikhat Kazmi [TNN] |
… Taare Zameen Par, which focuses on special children, has managed to touch a chord among teachers. MiD DAY took a teacher to the movie yesterday and she came away impressed, despite the “exaggerations”. Jaya Philips from Gopal Sharma International School, Powai … Sanjeev Devasia [Mid-Day] |
… takes us into the heart of Ishaan’s world: his struggles with the three r’s, his ambitious father who thinks Ishaan needs discipline, his caring-but-harried mother, his loving big brother who watches out for him. And his art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh, who saves Ishaan from sinking into a black hole. Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan’s directorial debut… Shubhra Gupta [Indian Express] |
… all you Revathis, Farhan Akhtars and Ashutosh Gowarikers et al out there who think that social issues need dry and drab treatments get ready for Mr Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan), a colourful arts teacher who – rightly and vitally – believes that every child is special, whether dyslexic or physically- and … |
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21 responses so far ↓
1 Anay // Dec 23, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Another example of Aamir’s class.. his creativity.. his orientation….clearity of thoughts…….
To me this film doesnot look like aamir’s first film as a director… it’s very very gud
transformation of some serious thoughts into widely accepted medium.
2 sanjukta // Dec 24, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Since you mentioned what other critics have written about TZP I thought you should read my review of the reviewers… Raja Sen’s review rip off on my blog
http://sanjukta.wordpress.com/2007/12/23/taare-zameen-par-review-rip-off/
3 sanjukta // Dec 24, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I thought you might want to read…sorry about the ’should’ word
4 santosh // Dec 24, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Sanjukta, Nice rip-off on Raja Sen and Masand.
Your frank opinion of the movie reflects what people want to see more of in movies. I especially like the paragraph below which sort of summarizes the movie for me. I just wish you wouldn’t give the ending away ;-).
Reviewers get carried away with the idea of “critiquing” the movie, because that is what they think they ought to do. For them, getting the audience to connect with the movie (without giving it away) isn’t very high on their list of priorities.
- Santosh
> Nikumbh mentions to the parents how
> Ishaan’s self confidence was weakened to
> the core due to constant scolding and
> ridicule, although he was able to get over
> dyslexia, it was important to help him
> gain back his lost self confidence and
> that’s what the competition was for.
5 badal // Dec 24, 2007 at 5:04 pm
I personally like Raja Sen’s reviews. Even with his direct and rebellious locution, he preserves his originality. And I’d say it’s no crime to express what you feel.
6 vaneet // Dec 25, 2007 at 2:18 pm
One really has to give it to Aamir for the following reasons:
* To put his faith and money in a film like TZP which may not seem to be an out an out commercial entertainer catering to the so called ‘multiplex audience’.
* For Acting,Producing and later Directing the movie himself, and pulling it off so wonderfully.
* To have extracted such powerful and moving performances from 8-9 year old children.
* To have the guts to put a 9 year old in Lead and push himself to second lead!The entire movie belongs to Darsheel, Aamir is actually the supporting actor!!
7 neha // Dec 25, 2007 at 10:47 pm
@vaneet:
That’s well said and I completely agree.
I was having a discussion about TZP and Aamir with a friend today and he said:
“Aamir Khan doesn’t make good movies but he makes movies good…”
Don’t we all agree to that
8 santosh // Dec 27, 2007 at 10:38 am
@Neha
“Aamir Khan doesn’t make good movies but he makes movies good…”
Ahem! I wouldn’t mind if that quote was attributed to me.
9 Anagha // Dec 30, 2007 at 8:02 am
Hi Anu… nicely detailed review there. Makes me wanna nitpick
So here goes -
1) Lagaan was *not* Ashutosh Gowariker’s first movie. He directed Pehla Nasha and Baazi before Lagaan. In fact Aamir Khan starred in Baazi… remember Aamir’s cross-dressing act in the song “dole-dole dil dole”?
2) About the blooper: Watch carefully - there are a couple of empty beds - but there are enough ‘filled” beds. They are not all empty.
3) I disagree about Ishaan’s arrogance. I think you misunderstood. He is rebellious because he is constantly picked on by everyone. Not arrogance. (Even if it were arrogance - so it’s just another personality trait. Does the protagonist always have to be perfect? May be it is just a result of having misguided parents.)
4) Aamir’s conversation with Ishaan’s parents: I did not think it was a good scene - in fact I agree with Raja Sen on that one. He says: “…the sharp contrast between the two [Nikumbh and Mr Awasthi] seems contrived.” But hey - that’s just a difference of opinion. We don’t all have to like the same thing.
10 neha // Dec 30, 2007 at 8:58 am
@Anu, Anagha:
#2 I agree with Anagha the beds were not empty but it just seemed like that.
After Anu’s review I guess we all were staring at the beds than looking at Ishaan
#4 I agree with Anu the scene between Mr. Nikumbh and Mr. Awasthi was brilliant. I think the contrast was natural -
Mr. Awasthi being the stereotypical parent who expects his kid to win the rat race and any form of mental problem in the kid gets termed as “mentally retarded” in his society
Mr. Nikumbh understands Ishaan because he shares a similar childhood and having worked with special kids he understands “ki khayal karna kise kehte hain”
11 neha // Dec 30, 2007 at 9:05 am
@Sanjukta:
I agree Raja Sen’s review seems like “paid-to-criticize”
Reminds me of a dialogue from Ratatouille:
“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. ”
12 anukamat // Dec 30, 2007 at 11:17 am
@Anagha: Whoops….I better get my facts right. Usually I do a thorough search before writing anything….wonder how I missed Ashutosh’s earlier directorial debuts.
. Really careless of me. Also I need to watch TZP again….and this time…scrutinize the beds properly by replaying the scene again and again. As regards point #3 and #4 I believe that is just a matter of personal perception. After all, everything in life and especially any form of art is a subjective experience. 
@All: I apologise for my incorrect observations and pathetic research. Will make sure it never gets repeated.
13 Divya // Jan 7, 2008 at 2:15 pm
“3 Tickets?Taare Zameen par,” I asked at the Advance Booking counter.A guy next to me said,”Arre Welcome ka show hai naa??”.His friend looked at the poster and predicted,”Mast timepass rahegi!”.Hmmm..I thought..Should I also take Welcome?Who wants to get bored for 3 hrs anyway?By the time I could decide,the counterwalla had the tickets
ready for me.Disappointedly I paid and said to myself,”Chal na.Iske baad Welcome dekh lenge”.
The introduction started with jumbling letters and a colourful animation. Then I saw water.And a face. Face with a focused
look..innocently sticking his tongue out in concentration.His aim?
Kidnap fishes from the gutter.
I think I had moist eyes.Was I seeing the 8-yr old…ME? For the next 2.5 hrs I had frequent chocking lumps in my throat with an inability to breathe properly. Sounds like torture. But Felt like magic..
I think by this time we all know what the movie is all about.And also its flaws-thanks to some _____(don’t know what) out there in the world who don’t have enough capacity to enjoy anything fully.
I am writing this column only for those who pointed out flaws in the movie.I have a question for you guys.
How many movies have you so critically-intellectually-arrogantly-insensitively analysed? Or should I ask,”How many movies have you even analysed?”.This movie has got even the non-writers writing for it,discussing the angles,quality,direction,scene details and what not.Can you think why?
I didn’t find any interesting blog discussing about the technical details of OSO,Welcome,Partner etc etc..What is making us discuss so much about TZP guys??
Its the impact that the movie made on you.The tears which were rolling down your eyes..the helpless expressions of Ishaan which forced you to introspect..and probably the overly critical nature of his father and teachers..which you want to defend.
TZP is above any criticism or any cynic who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing(thank you Nikumbh Sir). You guys criticized the movie for being slow,Amir crying too much,having seen
some empty beds,unnecessary songs…How come you TZP-critiques forgot
to criticize Ishaan’s father? How come you guys forgot to criticize the way his art teacher punished him?How come you guys forgot to criticize the sports teacher for fairing pathetically at the painting competition??
Probably because these people reflect a little of you all…
Get a life friends. If you keep judging TZP,you’ll have no time to love it.
On a light note..What if I had been razor sharp to stop that counterwaala from tearing the tickets and had instead taken the tickets of Welcome????
Sigh…
Taare Zameen Par.
A movie which made me realise that
Sometimes in life,it is healthy to be slow and dumb.
14 neha // Jan 7, 2008 at 9:01 pm
@Divya:
Wow! that’s extremely well written and I totally agree with you.
15 Divya // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:05 am
Thanks neha..
Im glad you liked it..
16 Divya // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:26 pm
..some people did not appreciate the idea of a competition in the end..
if they could just think about a few things here…
Would you stick on to a friend who never appreciated you for being loyal and caring ?
Would you continue working under a boss who never appreciated your efforts ?
Would you continue loving a guy/girl who never appreciated your love ?
Would you be a confident individual if you were never appreciated but only criticized?
Would you have the zeal to move ahead in life if you were never appreciated for anything ?
What are we trying to prove by showing that Ishaan won the competition ? That he is better than others ? He’s the best ? Others are idiots? Duffers?
Or………
That he finally gets appreciated…
Now. Why through a competition? Of almost 100 students. Teachers included.
Why were the teachers even included ?
Because the competition was not for him.
It was for the others.
To lose from someone whom they thought was himself a loser.
An idiot.Duffer.
To ‘appreciate’ him for what he was good at.
Something at which all ‘others’ failed.
Others who made fun of him.
Others who called him a duffer. Idiot.
Others who comprised of those students and teachers.
If people have still not understood, probably they never will…..
And if they have,they better ‘appreciate’ TZP for what it is.
17 KING KHAN AMIR // Jan 11, 2008 at 9:56 pm
U showed us your qualities in this film
Remember the real king khan is AMIR
18 vijay // Jan 14, 2008 at 11:57 pm
well i happen to visit this blog and read some of the post here by sheer chance… and m glad i read one which was quite thought provoking… well i never denied to tzp’s importance and the possible social change it can bring in the main stream pattern of stickrule that we ususally follow in todays times …. but reading what divya has to say… i will be honest with this one …..u had my eyes little wetter than usual..all the critics out there….i wil say its important to be critical at times but what’s more important is to appreciate the good things or good efforts made by few.. coz if yu continue… [with your criticism of course] than even these few ppl will stop takin chances…and believe me when that happens ..yu wont really have much to appreciate …so get appreciative …before its too late …………….
19 Divya // Jan 15, 2008 at 5:29 pm
“its important to be critical at times but what’s more important is to appreciate the good things or good efforts made by few.. coz if yu continue… [with your criticism of course] than even these few ppl will stop takin chances…and believe me when that happens ..yu wont really have much to appreciate …so get appreciative …before its too ”
beautiful thought Vijay…really nice..
20 denise // Sep 13, 2008 at 2:39 am
its not that the kid was trying to be arrogant…becuz his the child’s learning disability,he displays agressive qualities…..
i must say its a well thought out film……kudos
21 lee // Sep 13, 2008 at 2:57 am
too many times, we label kids as being slow and dumb, when really and truly they have a learning disability that restricts them from functioning at the level of us, “normal” people. in fact many of us has hidden disabilities that cannot be seen. this film allows us see how kids feel when we call them names and simply just pass them off as being a dummy
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