Photo Credit: Internet
Clear Cut Review Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Sep 21, 2025 09:55 IST
Written By: Paresh Kumar
A very dear friend and former senior colleague urged me to watch Sitaare Zameen Par. She said your kids will also like since they are immersed into sports.
Rightly so, the adaptation of the Spanish film Champions resonated deeply with our family.
SZP, starring Aamir Khan as Gulshan Arora, a brash basketball coach sentenced to community service, the film charts his transformation as he trains a team of adults with intellectual disabilities for a national tournament. Seeing the posters and all, I had predicted it to be an underdog story, but it turns out to be a profound exploration of empathy, dignity, and social responsibility.
At first, he refers to the team dismissively as “पागल”, a word that sadly reflects the mindset of much of the Indian society. But by the end, he falls in unconditional love with them, embracing them not just as players, but as family.
The film hits emotional chords with memorable dialogues, for instance when the mother of AK says:
(“Those who are different—someone has to stand up and fight for them.”)
And when AK tells the team member, just go and crash them, to which one of the intellectually challenged team member says:
(“We’ve come to win, not to belittle anyone.”)
These lines linger long. They compel us to reflect on our duty towards the most vulnerable.
Key takeaways for social development professionals like us:
- Normal is subjective. Each person’s “normal” is different; inclusion requires recognizing this.
- Every behaviour has a backstory. Just like Gulshan’s fear of lifts or reluctance to fatherhood, rooted in childhood trauma. So be empathetic!
- Celebrate failures! Participation matters more than victory. Gentle reminder that empowerment often lies in action, not always outcome.
- Learning flows both ways. Just like the coach doesn’t just teach; he learns from his team’s resilience and spirit.
The film’s sincerity, humour, and celebratory portrayal of neurodiversity give it a unique strength. My family observed it as heartfelt and comforting because of its departure from typical action-heavy and severely abusive dramas.
This movie genuinely made me laugh, made me emotional and even shed tears a couple of moments. Sitaare Zameen Par is a timely and moving cinematic experience and a powerful conversation starter for those dedicated to equity, dignity, and social justice.
