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Mint
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Wes Anderson's ‘The Phoenician Scheme' and Aamir Khan's ‘Sitare Zameen Par' — Hidden money lessons
Both Wes Anderson and Aamir Khan have a fan following that is set in their ways. Fans gave Aamir Khan a label 'Mr. Perfectionist'. Makes you wonder why he is remaking a movie - Woody Harrleson starrer Champions - about basketball, a sport that can be described as 'niche interest' for Indians and about a Chak De like plot but with differently abled young people. The debacle of Lal Singh Chaddha wasn't enough for him? Or do Indian writers not have any original stories? Wes Anderson is known for his films that are 'different'. The Phoenician Scheme is as niche as it gets. Fans will flock to watch a film that has big stars like Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, Benedict Cumberbatch, and more… With Benicio Del Toro handing out live grenades to his relatives, fans have a big screen treat in store for them. . Two very different films with totally different plots offer money lessons to the smart investor. Aamir Khan plays an assistant basketball coach with a short fuse and yes, an even shorter temper. His personal failures earn him fines as well as community service (a concept introduced to the judicial system in India only in 2023). He has to coach a team of differently abled people - those who are autistic and afflicted with Down's Syndrome - and win like Kabir Khan a la Chak De, India!. This bunch of rag tag folk with different quirks - one won't bathe because he is afraid of water, but loves animals, another tends to stare at the sky to track flights, and there's one who is scammed by his employer to work at half the pay but longer hours… Every story is meant to touch your heartstrings, but because each comes with a moral science lesson, the film makes you want to upchuck into your popcorn. The film gets 'A' in its report card because the 'Sitare' team wins despite not winning. That lesson is just better than anything else the film tries to 'teach'. This should have been slotted for a Direct to OTT slot, because Woody Harrelson's Champions does the same job much better. If the film teaches us to be more inclusive and that 'our normal is our normal and their normal is their normal', but in front of these differently abled folk, I wish Aamir had at least tried to be genuine rather than put on an act. His whole schtick just feels hollow. But the film teaches us valuable money lessons. Financial stability often requires effort and adaptability. The movie shows that Hargobind, who is on the spectrum, does not trust coaches, and prefers to play alone. The coach has to win his trust, and get him to play in the team. Kudos to the director who manages to convince us that there is joy in playing the game and that winning is not everything. This can be a powerful lesson, reminding viewers that while financial security is important, it shouldn't be the only pursuit. The movie explores themes of overcoming personal struggles and finding redemption, both for Gulshan the grumpy coach and the team members. So take a quick break and call your personal finance manager just to say thank you. After all, your success is because you have a great team working with you. A businessman chooses his successor - his daughter, a young novice who insists she is going to become a nun. He has ten sons as well, who are happiest using a real crossbow aimed at dad. Dad though has survived many assassination attempts across many geographies. His assistants die horribly, and even though he has been shot at and suffered plane crashes, you sit there in the dark grinning. Wes Anderson is obviously going somewhere with these delightful attempted murders. The businessman Anatole 'Zsa Zsa' Korda (played by Benicio Del Toro) is going to divert waters and build a new expansive infrastructure (train, towns et al) across the desert. He has made deals with his family and friends. He needs to renegotiate deals to finish the railroad, which has just fallen short by a few feet. He could put his own money, but this is a Wes Anderson movie, so he embarks on a quest to meet and make new deals with every partner. Feels like a bit of a maths lesson, but who cares when the scheme by this rich man looks so enticing? Zsa Zsa even offers to marry his cousin (Scarlett Johanson!) and plays a game of basketball against Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston… The American government has sent a spy to figure out his business deals and if he's evading taxes. How he manages to survive a fight with his murderous brother (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a fun watch. As an investor though you must realise that investing your money into businesses with family and friends is great until you are faced with the disadvantages. There will always be someone who is dissatisfied with their share of earnings, dividends and what have you to trigger them into finding faults. Zsa Zsa is how we perceive rich oligarchs - travelling in their private jets, dodging taxes because they have different nationalities, men who think nothing of destabilizing governments and exploiting local workers and yes, fathering many children… If you work with someone like Zsa Zsa Korda, or have enough money to plan your own Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, know the pitfalls of being rich: People will be out to get a slice of your wealth (learn to negotiate!); They will want to kill you (appoint your heirs on time, sign a living will with the help of a lawyer and update your bank KYCs); Have a Plan B in case you don't succeed at creating your Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia (Korda has cooking skills that help him start a restaurant!). And for God's sake, don't evade taxes. Wes Anderson's gallery of scoundrels gets an awesome addition with this beautifully detailed, stylish film. You step out of the theatre with a smile on your face and if you bump into someone who claims 'All Wes Anderson films are the same' you smile wider and reply, 'Help yourself to a grenade'. If only one could persuade Aamir Khan to wipe off that knowing 'I'm so good' smirk and get back to making movies, not moral science lessons. And yes, I also wish more people would watch Wes Anderson who refuses to make 'massy' movies… But will they listen? So I'm off to spend a little more of my hard earned money to watch Dhanush and drink overpriced multiplex coffee. Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveller, founder of Caferati — an online writer's forum, hosts Mumbai's oldest open mic, and teaches advertising, films and communication. She can be reached on Twitter at @manishalakhe.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Review: A wholesome and feel-good slam dunk for inclusion
Story : Gulshan Arora ( Aamir Khan ) is a brash basketball coach suspended for punching the head coach and facing a jail term for drunk driving. Instead, he is sentenced to community service — training a team of players with intellectual disabilities to compete in a national basketball tournament. As he coaches them, he embarks on a journey of personal growth and learning valuable life lessons. Review : An official remake of the 2018 Spanish hit Champions , Sitaare Zameen Par serves as an indirect sequel to 2007's Taare Zameen Par . While the earlier film highlighted developmental disabilities through the lens of dyslexia and remedial education, this one shifts the focus to individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), like Down Syndrome and invisible autism, on a basketball court. Despite a sensitive and layered subject, R S Prasanna's directorial venture, written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, remains a wholesome, feel-good watch. It strikes a commendable balance between delivering a message and educating viewers about ID, all with a lighthearted touch. At its core is a message of inclusivity—conveying that people with ID are employable, independent, full of life, and deeply empathetic. The film sensitively portrays the characteristic traits of the players' conditions without reducing them to labels—Bantu's (Vedant Sharma) stimming through ear-scratching, Guddu's (GopiKrishnan K Verma) aquaphobia, Sharmaji's (Rishi Shahani) speech impairment, and the less-recognised invisible autism in high-functioning Hargovind (Naman Misra). These are presented as facets of their personalities, not just symptoms. The film mixes sentiment with spunk, avoiding overly preachy tones. ID is described through relatable lines like, ' Humaari kismat haathon pe nahi, chromosome pe likh ke aati hai (Our destiny isn't written on our palms — it's written in our chromosomes).' While the underdog sports narrative and troubled-coach arc feel familiar, the film's heart and humour keep it engaging. That said, the story does wander. Subplots involving his mother, Preeto (Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari), and their butler Daulatji (Bijendra Kala) contribute little to the core story. A few other sequences feel stretched, and pacing suffers in parts. The climax gets overly sentimental in parts. Some scenes, like the team managing airfare and accommodation for the final match, come across as convenient and trite. Aamir Khan stands out as the brash, initially insensitive, and politically incorrect coach. He convincingly portrays a man who evolves while retaining a certain swagger. Genelia Deshmukh is sincere as his wife Suneeta, though her character lacks depth. The ensemble cast—Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta , Aayush Bhansali, Rishi Shahani, GopiKrishnan K Verma, Rishabh Jain, Vedant Sharma, Simran Mangeshkar, Samvit Desai, and Naman Misra—deserves applause for bringing energy, authenticity, and warmth to the film. Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari, Bijendra Kala, and Gurpal Singh offer solid support. If Taare Zameen Par had the soul, Sitaare Zameen Par brings the spirit. It's a heartwarming family watch that blends comedy, compassion, and charm, and is definitely worth a trip to the theatre.
NDTV
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Sitaare Zameen Par Review: Aamir Khan's Uplifting Film Has Its Heart In The Right Place
Talent, teamwork and tenacity are attributes that, as a rule, occupy centrestage in a sports drama. These qualities come to the aid of a team of hoopsters that fights to beat the odds stacked against it. Add to the proceedings a dash of feel-good, high-spirited humour and periodic tugs at the heartstrings and you have Sitaare Zameen Par, somewhat inconsistent in pace but always entertaining. The underdog story, scripted by Divy Nidhi Sharma and directed by R.S. Prasanna, pivots around ten neurodiverse basketball players placed under a reluctant coach, an angry not-so-young man in dire need of a course correction. The team does not get along with the coach. A judge assigns the job to the latter as punishment for ramming his car into a police vehicle in a drunk driving case. Although they find winning ways difficult to come by to begin with, each member of the outfit makes steady progress on and off the basketball court. There is nothing new in here in terms of story. Sitaare Zameen Par is an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film, Campeones (Champions), which, a few years later, saw a Hollywood iteration with Woody Harrelson in the lead. The lack of originality does not however take anything away from the incredible performances of the ten first-time actors. In its celebration of diversity and inclusion, Sitaare Zameen Par goes further than any Indian movie ever has. The process that helps the protagonists develop focus and cohesion is expectedly exacting - no less so than the drill that must have gone into getting the actors ready for the movie camera - and it is around those challenges that the Aamir Khan starrer revolves. Sitaare Zameen Par blends comedy, emotions and the infectious vitality of a physically tough sport to drive home the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity - physical, mental and societal. Aamir Khan, back on the big screen three years after the underwhelming Laal Singh Chadda, effortlessly slips into the character of a temperamental man who is often mocked for his short stature. In a fit of rage, he socks the head coach in the face. He is promptly suspended. The knocks that follow are even harder. His ego takes a beating. Sitaare Zameen Par is about redemption that dawns amid a haze of scepticism. Gulshan (Khan) is in a trough. His wife (Genelia D'Souza) and mother (Dolly Ahluwalia) struggle to keep him away from his questionable impulses. On the professional front, Gulshan has a reputation to rebuild. He isn't the one who does all the teaching. Unlike the school instructor in Taare Zameen Par (2007) who helps a boy with a learning disability discover himself, he learns from his wards, youngsters drawn from different backgrounds. Nine boys and a girl, the short-tempered Golu Khan (Simran Mangeshkar), hold up multiple mirrors in which Gulshan can see the avoidable distortions he is in danger of embracing. And, of course, his family pitches in with sage, timely nudges when he needs it, which is well-nigh always. The broad arc of the story holds no real surprises, but thanks to the way the little deeds of a man navigating his mental blocks pan out, the tale isn't devoid of depth. Sitaare Zameen Par is an uplifting and heartwarming genre film the employs familiar tropes to good effect. Pretty much like its spiritual predecessor did, the film creates awareness about intellectual disabilities and showcases neuro-atypical youngsters in a manner that strikes an instant chord. It seeks to clear the cobwebs that cloud society's notions of what is normal and what is not. What Sitaare Zameen Par asserts, without having to go overboard with manipulative methods (which, of course, are inevitable in a movie with an avowed purpose) is that there is nothing unusual about being differently wired like the individuals Gulshan is directed to take under his wings even as he himself tries to fly away from his own ingrained biases. Ten differently abled actors drive the film into uncharted territory and add genuine wattage to the drama. Aamir Khan, when needed, cedes ground to them without letting his own presence be diminished in any way. The innate potential of the theme - who does not like underdogs taking on obstacles in their path and marching ahead when nobody, least of all the man who is charged with working with them and showing them the way? - is undeniable. Sitaare Zameen Par makes the most of it. Aamir Khan is the anchor around which the plot swivels but he isn't a ball hog. The film rests equally on the shoulders of his ten specially-abled co-actors. It is impossible to single out only a handful for special mentions. They are all equally good. Ayush Bhansali plays a boy who works in a dye factory and is obsessed with giving his hair a different hue every other day. Ashish Pendse is a security guard who Gulshan spots when the two square off in a parking lot. Simran Mangeshkar is cast as a perpetually angry girl and Gopi Krishnan Varma plays Guddu, a boy who avoids a bath like the plague. Vedant Sharma is Bantu, a reclusive guy given to constantly scratching his ears, Rishab Jain is a gardener who runs a nursery, Aroush Datta is auto mechanic Satbir and Samvit Desai plays hotel employee Kareem. Rishi Shahani's Sharmaji and Naman Mishra's Hargovind, too, are always on the ball. The director lets the magnificent ten go with the flow. As a consequence, the sort of artifice that is often an intrinsic part of acting is refreshingly missing in these admirably organic performances. This isn't, of course, the first time that special actors have fronted an Indian film. In 2019, Nikhil Pherwani made Ahaan, in which the titular character was played by Abuli Mamaji, an actor with Down Syndrome. A year earlier, Bengali filmmaker Soukarya Ghoshal cast an actor with special needs, Mahabrata Basu, in Rainbow Jelly. In a follow-up to that film, Pokkhiraj's Dim (The Unicorn's Egg), released recently, the actor, 17 when the film was shot, reprises the character. Suresh Triveni's Jalsa (2022) had an actor with cerebral palsy playing a young boy with cerebral palsy and Kaushik Ganguly's Chotoder Chobi (2014) centred on two actors born with dwarfism. But that is where Indian cinema's story of authentic representation of disability grinds to a halt. That is how it would have remained had the remarkable sitaare of this film not descended in our midst and demonstrated that there is much more to acting than what we are accustomed to. Sitaare Zameen Par is a rousing slam dunk because it has its heart in the right place.
News18
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par Advance Booking Numbers Look Promising
Last Updated: Sitaare Zameen Par sold more than 1 lakh tickets on its first day in the top national chains and languages. Aamir Khan is back on the big screen after a three-year break with Sitaare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film has already piqued the imagination of audiences. It focuses on the issues faced by children with special needs, emphasising important topics such as inclusion, empathy and resilience. Sitaare Zameen Par has finally hit the screens and with intensive promotional efforts, the sports comedic drama received decent advance booking numbers. As per Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, sold over 1,15,344 tickets on its first day in the top national chains and languages. Based on advance sales and hype, the Aamir Khan starrer is likely to debut with a net of Rs 6.88 crore. Reportedly, it will be one of Aamir Khan's lowest openings in recent times. Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh has also predicted an overall first weekend collection for Aamir Khan's film. He told India Today. 'The box office run (of Aamir Khan) currently depends on word-of-mouth. Since the promotion for the film is very light, now the film's success depends only on Aamir Khan's face-value. For the opening weekend, it could be around Rs 30 crore." Moreover, the makers came up with a unique strategy for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par. The creators apparently imposed some restrictions on show times and ticket costs. Sitaare Zameen Par's first show couldn't start before 9 am. Theatres were also urged to provide the popular weekend price. As a result, ticket prices will be slightly more than usual but still reasonable. It is a sports comedy-drama starring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh. This upcoming film is the official remake of the Spanish film Champions and a spiritual successor to Khan's critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. The film marks the Hindi film debuts of Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra and Simran Mangeshkar. Divy Nidhi Sharma penned the screenplay, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composed the music, and cinematographer Srinivas Reddy created the images. Furthermore, in a bold and unusual move, Aamir Khan decided not to sell the film's OTT rights to any platform. Instead, he has committed to an exclusive theatrical release, seeking to reintroduce audiences to the big screen while preserving the collective movie-going experience. First Published:
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Sitaare Zameen Par' Twitter Reviews: Netizens say Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh bring ‘hope and heart'; hail special kids as ‘stars' of the ‘emotional rollercoaster'
After a break of three years, is back on the big screen with 'Sitaare Zameen Par', a film that carries the emotional weight of his 2007 hit 'Taare Zameen Par'. Directed by RS Prasanna, this movie is not a direct sequel but continues the spirit of the original. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While 'Taare Zameen Par' focused on a child with dyslexia, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' talks about unity, strength, and kindness through the world of sports. It shows how children with learning difficulties can shine when given love, support, and a fair chance. The film also stars in a key role, adding a strong emotional layer to the story. Netizens shower love on the film Right after watching the film on the big screens, people took to social media to share their feelings. One user wrote, '#SitaareZameenPar touches you, makes you question the way you think. It makes you laugh out loud, makes your eyes well up, & gives you hope. It's incredibly reassuring that a superstar like #AamirKhan would put his time, money, & face into making something that's this bold & risky.' Another fan said, '#SitaareZameenParReview This film is more than just about 'stars' 🌟 1 2 34 5 stars can't measure it. You can't judge the heart and effort of those special kids and #AamirKhan 🙏 It's emotional, powerful & truly special. #SitaareZameenPar is a must-watch! Must watch. That's it.' Aamir Khan's performance brings back memories Some viewers noticed familiar touches in Aamir's role. One review gave the film a 6.5 out of 10 and said, 'After watching Aamir Khan's 'Sitaare Zameen Par', it brings back memories of his older films. His look reminds you of 'Rang De Basanti' and '3 Idiots', and at the same time, there's a small effort to try something new.' Another fan called it 'an emotional rollercoaster which makes you laugh and cry at the same time #AamirKhan delivers top-notch performance after a long time, The entire cast has done a splendid job and even with cliches, this one is a beautiful watch.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A film that challenges what 'Normal' means The movie also touches on a deep message about how we see 'normal'. One review said, 'The film beautifully highlights that 'normal' is subjective.. what seems Subnormal to us might just be someone else's Normal. #AamirKhan captures this emotional truth with sensitivity, making it instantly relatable to Indian audiences.' Genelia Deshmukh shines alongside Aamir Khan Genelia Deshmukh's role has been widely praised. One viewer shared, 'Aamir Khan is back with a bang, but Genelia is EXCEPTIONALLY well in 'Sitaare Zameen Par' 🔥🔥 A very well made film #SitaareZameenPar ✨✨' A remake with real heart Though 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is a remake of the Tamil film 'Champions', it brings its own warmth and honesty. A fan wrote, 'Just watched #SitaareZameenPar — yes, it's a remake of Champions, but wow, the heart it brings is real. Aamir delivers with sincerity, and the debut actors steal the show. Emotional, uplifting, and worth your time. ❤️🏀 #SZP #AamirKhan' A call for empathy and inclusion At a special screening in New Delhi, a social activist praised the film's message, 'This film is not merely a story - it is a clarion call for empathy, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of every child's unique journey. 'Sitaare Zameen Par' thoughtfully highlights the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities, while celebrating the boundless potential they can realise when nurtured with compassion and dignity. As someone who has long championed the rights of women and children, I was particularly heartened by the film's powerful message on educational equity and emotional well-being. Kudos to Aamir Khan, @aparna1502 (#CEO, @AKPPL_Official), director @r_s_prasanna, and the entire team for once again harnessing the power of cinema to inspire social transformation.' New faces bring fresh energy The film features a lively group of new actors, including Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharmaa, Naman Misra, Rishi Shahani, and Rishabh Jain. They play children with cognitive challenges and bring real honesty to their roles.
