Overated. Review on Taare Zameen Par

Lagaan was a Classic and everyone was anticipating about the next film by Aamir in his home banner. And here after 6 ½ years we get to see another film produced by Aamir Khan, in the form of “Taare Zameen par”.

The reviews have been superb and make the expectations reach the sky Level. So does it meets the expectations and more importantly does it meet Lagaan in terms of quality and story telling, Read on.

It’s a story about the dyslexic kid, Ishaan, his trauma and pain. And how a teacher Nikumbhji comes and tries to understand the psychology of this boy and his efforts to become this boy a winner.

Amol Gupte(and his wife) deserves marks for writing such a subject and Aamir deserves kudos to make a film on such a subject . It also tries to give a message to the parents about understanding their kids and their mentalities. Let the kids enjoy their childhood and don’t push your ambitions on the slender shoulders of your kids. Great message.

But the problem is with the execution. In the first half, the film shows that ishaan is a normal kid but still he is poor in studies. The audience connects with the film instantly as many of the common people aren’t soo bright in studies.That made the story identifiable. But in the second half, it is revealed that he is suffering from a Psychic disorder called Dyslexia which takes away the identifiable factor from the movie. Audience stops connecting from the film thinking this story is about an abnormal kid and not about us which they were assuming it to be.

The film starts off brilliantly, but it gets monotonous and repetitive as the story moves on. But with the (not so funny and trying too hard )entry of Aamir just before the interval, the audience waits for brilliant Second Half hour. But the things get worse. The minute it is revealed that Ishaan is suffering from Dyslexia, the film starts loosing grip. Most of the second half is about the treatment of a Dyslexic kid, which is Dull and drab. The Climax, is another sore point. Its too simplistic and predictable which makes it laughable. The film tries too hard to make the audience weep, but it falls flat in most of the parts.

The script might have been good, but Aamir’s indulgence might have taken a toll on the film. The film needed a better director, Aamir’s handling is amateurish and his story telling is very preachy. Aamir should have allowed Amol to make the film rather than directing it himself, I am sure it would have been better than what it is today.

Music is soothing but puts the masses in deep sleep. Performances are from very good to ordinary. Darsheel delivers a superb performance, if not for him TZP would have been a disaster. Tisca Chopra, she is fantastic. Aamir is ordinary and also looks gaggard and Old. His hair style is funny and distracting. Others are way OTT, esp the father and teachers. Dialogues are good at places but very routine most of the times. Technically its Fair.

It’s a well intended film but the film knowingly/unknowingly gives a wrong message to the kids. If they are Lazy and unstudious, they will escape by saying to their parents that “I am suffering from Dyslexia, I see words dancing, I want to catch frogs. And don’t worry about me, I will one day become Abhishek bachchan or atleast Ram shankar Nikumbh” . Watcing this film, might spoil the kids even more I think.

This film is another Show off by Aamir to prove his self proclaimed genius and intellect and people think it as intelligent Cinema.

TZP for me was a Huge disappointment even more so after the Great reviews. At the Boxoffice, it wont survive for Longer.

1.5/5*