Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- 1. Extraordinary Performances
- 2. Exceptional Direction & Screenplay
- 3. Emotional and Meaningful Storytelling
- 4. Beautiful Cinematography & Visuals
- 5. Soulful and Emotional Music
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Day-Wise Box Office Earnings (India & Overseas)
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Like Stars on Earth, originally titled Taare Zameen Par, is an Indian drama film that was released on December 21, 2007. Directed by Aamir Khan, the movie tells a deeply emotional story about a child struggling with dyslexia and his journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.
The film highlights the importance of understanding children’s unique abilities rather than forcing them into conventional academic expectations. With powerful storytelling, brilliant performances, and an impactful message, Like Stars on Earth became one of the most critically acclaimed Bollywood films.
The movie not only received national and international recognition but also sparked discussions about education, parenting, and learning disabilities.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary), an 8-year-old boy with a wild imagination and a deep love for art. However, he struggles in school, particularly with reading and writing. His parents and teachers misinterpret his difficulties as laziness and believe he is just not interested in studying.
As a result, his parents send him to a strict boarding school to discipline him. Feeling lonely and abandoned, Ishaan becomes emotionally withdrawn. However, things take a turn when Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan), a compassionate art teacher, joins the school.
Nikumbh recognizes Ishaan’s struggles and understands that he has dyslexia, a learning disorder. He helps Ishaan gain confidence, embrace his unique abilities, and overcome his academic challenges. The movie beautifully captures Ishaan’s transformation and sends a strong message about the need for empathy in education.
What’s Good?
1. Extraordinary Performances
- Darsheel Safary, as Ishaan, delivers a heartfelt and realistic performance. His expressions of frustration, loneliness, and joy feel incredibly natural, making him one of the most memorable child actors in Bollywood.
- Aamir Khan, as the supportive teacher Nikumbh, brings warmth, sincerity, and wisdom to his role. His interactions with Ishaan feel genuine and emotionally powerful.
2. Exceptional Direction & Screenplay
Aamir Khan’s direction ensures that the movie is engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving. The screenplay by Amole Gupte is beautifully written, highlighting:
✔ A child’s perspective of the world
✔ The flaws in the education system
✔ The pressure children face from society and parents
3. Emotional and Meaningful Storytelling
The movie is not just about dyslexia—it is about every child who struggles in a rigid education system. The film encourages:
- Parents to be more understanding
- Teachers to be more patient
- Society to embrace individual differences
It educates while entertaining, making it a must-watch for all age groups.
4. Beautiful Cinematography & Visuals
- The use of animated sequences and bright colors represents Ishaan’s creative mind, making his world visually engaging.
- The boarding school scenes contrast with Ishaan’s earlier freedom, enhancing the emotional impact of his journey.
5. Soulful and Emotional Music
The music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, perfectly complements the film’s tone. Some of the most impactful songs include:
🎵 “Maa” – A heartbreaking song that expresses Ishaan’s longing for his mother.
🎵 “Jame Raho” – A fun track that reflects the pressure on kids to be perfect.
🎵 “Taare Zameen Par” – A beautiful and uplifting title track about the beauty of uniqueness.
The background score enhances every emotional scene, making the storytelling even more powerful.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Powerful Message: The movie spreads awareness about learning disabilities in a way that is relatable and touching.
✔ Brilliant Performances: Darsheel Safary’s portrayal of Ishaan is natural and moving. Aamir Khan’s role as the mentor is inspiring.
✔ Emotional Depth: The film connects with the audience on a deep emotional level. Many viewers shed tears while watching it.
✔ Social Impact: The film led to increased discussions about dyslexia and a change in perceptions about education in India.
Weaknesses:
✖ Slow Pacing in Some Parts: The movie focuses heavily on emotions, which might feel a bit slow for some viewers.
✖ Predictable Ending: While the journey is engaging, the ending is quite expected.
Despite these small issues, Like Stars on Earth remains a masterpiece with an important message.
Target Audience
This movie is perfect for:
👨👩👧👦 Families & Parents – A must-watch for parents and teachers to understand the struggles of children.
🎓 Educators & Students – Encourages teachers to adopt a more empathetic approach.
💖 Emotional Drama Lovers – If you enjoy deep, meaningful films, this one will touch your heart.
🎭 Cinephiles & Art Lovers – A beautiful blend of art, storytelling, and emotions.
Box Office Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹12 crore |
| Total Box Office Collection | ₹150 crore worldwide |
| India Collection | ₹89 crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹61 crore |
Day-Wise Box Office Earnings (India & Overseas)
| Day | India (INR Cr.) | Overseas (INR Cr.) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹1.25 crore | ₹0.80 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹2.50 crore | ₹1.10 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹3.80 crore | ₹1.50 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹4.25 crore | ₹1.75 crore |
| Day 5 | ₹5.00 crore | ₹2.00 crore |
The film had a modest opening, but word-of-mouth publicity turned it into a blockbuster. It also won several prestigious awards, including Best Film at the Filmfare Awards.
Recommendation
Like Stars on Earth is not just a movie—it is a life-changing experience. With heartwarming performances, a strong social message, and emotional depth, it remains one of Bollywood’s best films.
✔ Final Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
If you love meaningful and emotionally powerful cinema, Like Stars on Earth is a must-watch. It will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, think.
Genres:
Drama
Rating:
8/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Darsheel Safary | Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi |
| Tisca Chopra | Maya Awasthi |
| Vipin Sharma | Nandkishore Awasthi |
| Aamir Khan | Ram Shankar Nikumbh |
| Tanay Chheda | Rajan Damodaran |
| Sachet Engineer | Yohaan Awasthi |
| Girija Oak | Jabeen |
| Bugs Bhargava | Sen Sir |
| Shankar Sachdev | Tiwari Sir |
| Ravi Khanvilkar | Mr. Holkar |
| Lalita Lajmi | Lalita Lajmi |
| Meghna Malik | Victoria Teacher (uncredited) |
| M. K. Raina | Boarding School (uncredited) |
| Ayaan | Ishaan Awasthi – 10 months old |
| Veer Mohan | Ishaan Awasthi – 2 years old |
| Aniket Engineer | Young Yohan Awasthi |
How is Our Review?
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