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Movie Review

February 2008

MOVIE UPDATE

Asif Zardari, husband of the late former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has raised an objection to Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt making a film on the assassinated leader. Earlier, there were reports that Mahesh Bhatt was making a film on Benazir and that Pakistani writer and poet Aqeel Ahmad Ruby was writing the script. Shabana Azmi, who had been approached for the project, was quoted as saying that she would love to play Benazir.

The release of the hyped epic romance Jodhaa Akbar has yet again been postponed. The film will now see the light of day on February 15.

Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor may not be a couple any longer but they will be Milenge Milenge on Valentine’s Day. Well, that’s the title of their long-delayed romantic film directed by Satish Kaushik, which producer Boney Kapoor has decided to release on V-Day, February 14.

Kareena Kapoor, meanwhile, is all set to feature in an RK banner film. The Kapoor brothers—Rishi, Randhir, and Rajiv—are ready to work on the breezy romantic comedy soon. Another film starring Ranbir Kapoor will hit the floors alongside.

Nagesh Kukunoor is all set to release his first mainstream commercial film, a romantic comedy titled Bombay to Bangkok. Like Iqbal, this movie too has been produced by Subhash Ghai and has Kukunoor’s blue-eyed boy Shreyas Talpade in the lead.

MOVIE REVIEW

Taare Zameen Par

Starring: Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra

Producer: Aamir Khan

Director: Aamir Khan

Music Directors: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

A brilliant script, riveting performances, mesmeric camerawork and divine music—all this and more combine to make Taare Zameen Par a very special film. Indeed, as special and soul-stirring as its endearing little protagonist, Ishaan. Aamir’s film is the perfect example of cinema that entertains, enlightens, and elevates, all in one go. Its story is simple yet so real that it connects instantly with every adult and every child in the theatre. Kudos to the debutant director for handling a hitherto untouched subject with a rare sensitivity and maturity.

Taare Zameen Par takes a good hard look at our obsession with academic excellence at the cost of creativity. Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary), an eight-year-old boy, is the focal point of the story (though the canvas of the film is vast enough to include all children within its ambit). The little fellow doesn’t seem to get anything right in class, though he has a highly fertile imagination. Fed up with his errant ways, his parents pack him off to a boarding school where things only worsen. It takes an unconventional art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan) to draw the lonely Ishaan out of his shell and to truly understand his problem—the kid is dyslexic.

The helplessness and loneliness of a child with special needs is beautifully captured in the film, with the camera following every emotion of the boy in all its nuances. We easily fall in love with child actor Darsheel who gives a sterling performance as Ishaan. He towers over everybody else, though all others have done justice to their roles. Tisca Chopra as Ishaan’s doting mother is outstanding, so is Aamir himself as the art teacher. All the children too have done a great job, credit for which must be given to the director. The only blemish in an otherwise perfect film: the second half tends to get a bit repetitive.

Taare Zameen Par is must-see for every parent, teacher, and child. Do not miss this very courageous and straight-from-the-heart cinematic treat.

Aamir, tujhe salaam!

Current Top 10 Songs

1. Taare Zameen (Taare Zameen Par)

2. Kiya Kiya (Welcome)

3. Deewangi (Om Shanti Om)

4. Jab Se Tere (Saawariya)

5. Dus (Dus Kahaniyaan)

6. Mauja Hi Mauja (Jab We Met)

7. Hare Ram Hare (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)

8. Tum Mile (My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves)

9. Heyy Babyy (Heyy Babyy)