Renowned philanthropist and author Sudha Murthy praised Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, starring Khan and Genelia Deshmukh. After attending a special screening on June 9, 2025, Murthy called the film an “eye-opener” with the potential to drive societal change regarding intellectual disabilities. The screening took place in Mumbai, with the film set for a theatrical release across India on June 20, 2025.
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Murthy shared her review on June 10, 2025, via a video posted by Aamir Khan Productions on Instagram. She highlighted the film’s sensitive portrayal of neurodivergent individuals, urging audiences to embrace inclusivity through its philosophical and emotional storytelling.
Sudha Murthy’s Glowing Review
Sudha Murthy, a respected voice in Indian literature and philanthropy, shared a heartfelt review of Sitaare Zameen Par after a special screening, calling it a “beautiful movie” that challenges societal notions of “normalcy.” In a video shared by Aamir Khan Productions, she stated, “It’s an eye-opener, I feel, because many people don’t understand such children whom we call ‘not normal’. They are very sensitive, pure-hearted, and always smile because they are so pure in their approach to life.” She emphasized the film’s philosophical depth, noting, “This movie can bring a lot of changes, actually, and it can make people sensitive on the issue of intellectual disability, and one should not look down upon them”.
Film Overview and Context
Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by R.S. Prasanna, is a spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, which focused on a dyslexic child. This Bollywood adaptation of the Spanish film Campeones features Aamir as Gulshan, a brash basketball coach training a team of neurodivergent adults, played by debutants Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.
Genelia Deshmukh co-stars, adding emotional heft. Produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit under Aamir Khan Productions, the film boasts music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and a score by Ram Sampath. Despite trolling for being a “frame-to-frame” remake, Murthy’s praise counters criticism, framing it as a transformative narrative.
Impact and Reception
The film’s trailer and songs have already generated buzz, with a special screening on June 9, 2025, leaving audiences teary-eyed and earning a standing ovation. Murthy’s review underscores its potential to shift perceptions about neurodivergent individuals, advocating for their inclusion in mainstream society. She noted, “We should include them in our normal system and try to rehabilitate them in a normal way”.
Sudha Murthy’s review positions Sitaare Zameen Par as a cinematic tool for change, urging society to embrace neurodivergent individuals with empathy. Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), coupled with a talented ensemble and Prasanna’s direction, promises a heartwarming yet impactful comedy-drama. Set for release on June 20, 2025, the film is poised to spark meaningful conversations about inclusivity and acceptance.
-By Manoj H