Taare Zameen Par

Ratings : * Avoidable ** Average *** Good **** Must Watch

Ishaan Awasthi, an eight-year old dyslexic child has difficulties in reading, and spelling. His world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate; colours, fish, dogs and kites are just not important in the world of adults, who are much more interested in things like homework, marks and neatness. And Ishaan just cannot seem to get anything right in class. For this, he gets punished time and again.

In contrast to this, Ishaan's elder brother, Yohaan is always at the top, be it in sports or studies. However, Yohaan is supportive of his brother. When Ishaan's academic report sinks to a level too low for his parents (specifically his father) to bear, he is packed off to a boarding school to be 'disciplined'. Things start turning out no different at his new school though, and Ishaan has to contend with the added trauma of separation from his family.

One day a new temporary art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh(Aamir Khan) joins Ishan's boarding school. Nikumbh, with his characteristic teaching style that is markedly different that his strict predecessor, soon becomes popular among the students. Nikumbh soon notices that Ishaan is unhappy, and a non-contributor to activities in the class despite the atmosphere in the class that actively seeks contribution from the students. He sets out to discover why.

Nikumbh approaches his parents and tries to convince them about Ishaan's condition. He tries to underscore that Ishaan is a perfectly normal child who needs only a helping hand from teachers and some patience to improve his grades. To support this argument, Nikumbh highlights Ishaan's artistic ability as demonstrated by his many paintings and creative works-of-art. Ishaan's father remains skeptical and continues to brood over how Ishaan might not do well in the outside world where earning money is considered important for faring well in life, and not "useless" artistic skills. Undaunted, Nikumbh pleads to the school principal for some additional time and effort from school staff for boosting Ishaan's development. The principal finally gives in with a condition that these efforts must bear fruit by the end of the semester, otherwise he will have no choice but to expel Ishaan.

With the Principal's assent thus secured, Nikumbh takes it upon himself to develop and improve Ishaan's reading and writing abilities. With Nikumbh's unique style of teaching, Ishaan soon develops interest in language and mathematical skills to the point of mastering these skills. To jumpstart an interest in painting and art in general, Nikumbh organizes an art fair for staff and students alike. Ishaan, with his strikingly creative style is declared the winner, while his teacher, Nikumbh (who paints Ishaan's portrait) is declared the runner up.
At the end of the year, when Ishaan's parents meet the teachers, they are speechless to see the change in Ishaan. Ishaan has an above average grades in all of the subjects and has a commendable grade in painting. Ishaan's father is in tears upon seeing this change, and realizes his mistake. Before leaving for the holidays, Ishaan runs to hug his teacher who tosses him in the air.

My Rating : ****
Genre : Drama
Director : Aamir Khan
Cast : Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra