Taare Zameen Par is an extremely touching movie that subtly calls attention to the rarely recognized problems of a small boy, who does not fit the world in which he has to live. It touches the heartstrings of everyone since narrating a story about a brilliant but afflicted boy; the one that is both sensitive and innocent of childhood that contrasts with the stark cold requirements of conventional schooling. The film mood is tender and sympathetic, which forms secure environment where the audience can relate to the inner world of Ishaan. When observing the progress of the character, I experienced not only frustration, but also hope and finally admiration of how the movie shapes the episodes and makes people feel the importance of accepting and developing individual talents of a child, not letting him/her feel like a square peg.
The performance of the actor especially the young actor who does the part of Ishaan is spectacular in the sense of unspoken agony and unarticulated dreams of the child not understood. The side of the caring teacher of art, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, introduces the note of patience and sincere care, which warms the story. His strategy of encouraging the children to think, dream and imagine seems to be a fresh breath in the strict and highly impersonal system of education. This great movie strikes the right chord between the powerful emotional scene, tender humor, and uplifting sequences, and it does not feel preachy. This tone is faultlessly complemented by the score and the cinematography which perfectly captures the passage of innocence of childhood and the change of empathy.
The most important part that I could take away with me is the strong message stated in the movie, that all kids are special and need understanding and time. This film based on Taare Zameen Par prompted me to question how the society discards the emotional and creative aspect of the children to pursue academic accomplishments. It is a plea to those with hands on the levers not to judge by grades or conduct- to look at the possibilities of each child and help them grow. Soft narrative and sincere attitude of the film based on the story about a child with the problems he has to face made me feel optimistic and inspired, as compassion has been proven to be significant in education and life by the end of the film.
