The trailer of the upcoming Aamir Khan and Genelia D'Souza-starrer movie 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is already giving us hope that the film will be a gamechanger for mental health awareness and neurodiversity acceptance in India. Here's why.
The trailer of the film begins with Aamir's character getting sentenced for driving under the influence, because of which the judge orders him to coach a basketball team of neurodivergent kids. Aamir's character attempts to fight this initially but eventually brings together the group of kids. In the trailer, the interesting and feisty personalities of the team members are showcased to shed light on the unique intelligence they possess. The trailer also gives a glimpse of the film's attempt to de-stigmatise the narratives surrounding neurodivergence.
Starring actors who have Down Syndrome in real life, this film isn't just doing lip-service to the cause. Unlike TV shows or movies where a famous neurotypical actor attempts to represent their idea of neurodivergence on-screen, this movie actually employed those who have lived experience of the condition. In an industry like Bollywood, where there are rigid limitations to who makes it onto the silver screen, such authentic casting is revolutionary.
Down Syndrome and other forms of neurodivergence, be it Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD, are still stigmatised in India. Anyone who isn't neurotypical, is deemed "pagal" or ostracised, just because their brain works differently. Per the film's trailer, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' attempts to remedy this by demonstrating the microaggressions neurodivergent people face and explaining why they are problematic. From infantilising neurodivergent people, to underestimating their capabilities, it seems the film is set to break a lot of stereotypes.
One of Aamir Khan's most memorable films, Tisca Chopra and Darsheel Safary-starrer 'Taare Zameen Par' made major strides in raising awareness about dyslexia in India. Given how much academic pressure Indian children are put under, learning disabilities such as this one rarely get diagnosed even today. But thanks to Aamir's film, the term is known in many households now, and people know how it manifests itself.
So, while many factions of the audience express fatigue at filmmakers putting social messaging at the forefront of a movie's narrative, the impact it has on our society is undeniable.
