This movie starts off rather dull and awkward, and remains that way for some time, so I was rather put off right from the start. It suffers from several very clear tropes I've noticed in all the Bollywood films I've seen; cliche editing, awkward pacing, and most obnoxious the abundance of musical montage sequences which tend to get grating and interrupt the flow throughout. However, where this film really shines is in the characters and the plot which, while not phenomenal, are intriguing enough to hold my attention through its nearly three hour run time. Whilst a long run time in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing, it does make it more difficult to grip the audience, though I don't feel it a major issue in this film. Sure, there could have easily been an hour trimmed out of this film whilst keeping the important bits intact, but I feel it could have done more to earn a three hour run time as well.The introduction is rather generic and dull, and I feel it goes on too long. There doesn't need to be 40 minutes of depressing stuff to lead directly into an hour of depression. I understood the situation given the first showing of animosity in the kid's life, and could have easily assumed that was the norm in his life, and thus I wanted the plot to get moving immediately. Once it got moving, the rest of the movie felt a lot more appropriately paced, and it wasn't afraid to dive deep into dark themes without getting bogged down in them. It's truly a wholesome family film with a hopeful and overall good mood throughout despite also having many depressing moments in it. It surprisingly did not feel like a roller coaster ride. It addresses struggles without burying itself in pure misery.The characters are of an interesting variety, to say the least. The child's performance was passable, though probably quite mediocre in actuality, though his character's dyslexia provides some leniency to make his awkwardness seem somewhat realistic. The father is a rather standard overbearing type who expects nothing less than perfection from his child, which works in bringing dramatic tension into what would otherwise be a rather dull story. The teacher later in the film is a much more sympathetic individual, and a rather satisfying deus ex machina. The father and the teacher really carry the film, and thankfully they make up a significant portion of the film's heavy acting scenes. Unfortunately, the side characters tend to be a bit flat and undeveloped, though they never overstay their welcome, which I prefer over giving them plenty of screen time without fleshing them out well.The cinematography is entertaining for the most part, even if a tad overt at times. There's a brief animated sequence within the film's first act that is surprisingly well done as far as budget animation goes. It's unexpected, but surprisingly effective, and it reminds me of a similar gimmick done in Krampus. There's also a brief scene where letters are switching with each other on a whiteboard to simulate dyslexia, and it is surprisingly well done. On paper, it would sound rather silly, and maybe a bit ambitious to expect it to work out on such a small budget (I believe it amounts to around $1.7M USD), but not only does it fit, but the effect is seamless. The film is constantly trying new things throughout it, and though it is a bit of a mixed bag, it does tend to hit more often than it misses. There were times in which the editing was overdone, like as if they were copying Requiem For a Dream, and it made a few scenes seem melodramatic.I would compare this film to 2017's Wonder, where I feel like Wonder pulled off a similar task much more effectively. Both are essentially about a kid in school who doesn't fit in, and both tackle their themes maturely and effectively, but I feel this film falls short in a number of aspects.

According to 'Wikipedia', this film is known as "LITTLE STARS ON EARTH" and the title is exactly portrayed in this film. I don't usually watch Bollywood much, but I have watched this film more than 20 times though I am somewhat late to review this film. If I have to describe this film in a single word I would love to say it as an "INSPIRATION". This film gives motivation to the children who are talented in another field(s) rather than in the field of education. I would sincerely like to express my gratitude towards Amole Gupte, Script Writer of 'TARE ZAMEEN PAR' for composing such a sensitive story. In this film Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi an 8-years old boy, whose parents weren't aware that they had a dyslexic son. Much to their ignorance, Ishaan was a talented artist whose talents weren't recognized by his parents nor his teachers at his school. Once "Nikumbh Sir (Aamir Khan)" went to visit Ishaan's parents on an off day. When he visited Ishaan's room and went through his notepad he was surprised to find that Ishaan perceives the world in a different way and his notepad clearly uncovered his talents. When Nikumbh Sir asked his parents about the reason behind sending Ishaan to the boarding school, they whined about his failure in the third standard and compared him with his elder brother Yuhan but they never attempted to investigate the matter of his failure instead they bound him to go to the boarding school. Nikumbh Sir tried to explain Ishaan's father about his ailment as well as his talent, yet they refused to hear anything such, instead they give him an excuse of the competitive world awaited outside and they also categorized Ishaan as a mentally retarded child, hearing this Nikumbh Sir criticized them adding that Ishaan is a child of above average who can process differently. This scene of the film excited my outraged toward Ishaan's parents, they could have affectionately asked Ishaan about his failure instead of scolding or sending him to the boarding school, and by doing this they would have found that Ishaan doesn't have any enthusiasm for studies rather he is keen on Art, and they ought to have sent him to an art school instead sending him to a school where he can't work with his talents. Just Ishaan had understood how he experienced a terrible stage living apart from his mother, and the lyrics of the song "Kho Naa Jaaye Yeh / Taare Zameen Par" played in the background still leave me moist-eyed. After Nikumbh Sir returned from Ishaan's house, he started his next class by handing Ishaan Ishaan's notepad which he brought from Ishaan's house. Ishaan was stunned to see his notebook before him, as he never expected that Nikumbh Sir would visit his house. Probably Nikumbh Sir planned this class for Ishaan in order to inspire him. He started giving examples of some great personalities around the globe who suffered from Dyslexia among them Albert Einstein was one. I think, what Nikumbh Sir had done in his class was a motivation for Ishaan and too for the other children whoever watched this film. The climax of the film proved that everyone has a unique talent which is not the same as other, as in the art competition the other faculty members and a few student couldn't paint appropriately like Nikumbh Sir or Ishaan had done, however, this doesn't imply that they don't have any talent, or they can't-do anything in their life, they might be talented in some other fields. [email protected]

On rare occasions are movies and stories written to enlighten the audience about the challenges that 'special' (physically or mentally challenged) kids face. This movie gives a detailed, an emotional appealing insight and journey into education as well as solutions to challenges these kids face. It's a great movie

Good movie and I strongly recommend to see, but be forewarned that you will have to watch a child be severely emotionally abused for what feels like an hour. You will cry so have a box of tissue ready. However, it leaves a lasting impression, truly teaching and creating awareness regarding the behaviors, sufferings and intelligence of children with dyslexia. It's nice, for a change, to have an inspiring example of someone (the art teacher) who not only cares but takes action to help. This movie will surely influence change in society. I give it 8 rather than 10 because it was a bit overdone, contrived.