CARPE DIEM

Director: Aamir Khan

Taare Zameen Par is the story of a dyslexic child(Ishan) whose interests lie not in books but in his own exotic make believe world. His dreams are populated by fishes, trees and planets not arithmetic. In frustration his parents send him to a boarding school in the hope that it will finally discipline the errant child. Here again he is faced with stigma and punishment. Enter Ram Nikumbh who senses the unhappiness and depleted self confidence that consumes Ishan. He then sets about helping Ishan overcome his limitations and emerge from the darkness a confident focused individual.

It is a challenge to translate such a story to screen. In that sense the film is an accomplishment for a first time director. Aamir shows remarkable insight on behavior and the thought process that children go through.. There are many among us who have known that feeling and they will find in Ishan's turmoil a reflection of their own lives. The middle class household and the boarding school setting is laced with nostalgia. More significantly the film is a damning statement on parenthood today and the dwindling appreciation for individuality and imagination. In no less measure does it question the regimented nature of education in our times.
Darsheel Safary (Ishan) is the best child act in Indian cinema since Kunal Khemu in Zakhm. The dialogues are akin to everyday conversation devoid of exaggeration and hysterics commonplace in our films today. The music merits special mention because it enhances the mood and impact at key moments in the film.

However the film does suffer marginally on account of the slow pacing and drawn out length.
Beyond the merits and flaws then. Having given us Lagaan, that embodiment of box office lunacy, only Aamir Khan could have made this film. TZP isn't landmark cinema and its not going to set any box office records. However it is a sensitive honest film. Taare Zameen Par is a good film in the deepest true meaning of the word.