Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar is celebrating the success of "Sitaare Zameen Par," particularly its impressive performance on the second day of its theatrical release. Akhtar lauded the film's box office surge, seemingly responding to doubts about audience appetite for meaningful cinema with the statement, "Who says good films have no takers?".
"Sitaare Zameen Par," starring Aamir Khan and Genelia D'Souza, has indeed resonated strongly with audiences, experiencing substantial growth in box office numbers after its opening day. The film, directed by R.S. Prasanna, is considered a spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan's earlier film "Taare Zameen Par" (2007), sharing a thematic focus on neurodiversity and inclusivity.
The film's Day 2 collections witnessed a massive jump. Initial reports indicated a decent opening day, with the film earning ₹10.7 crore net in India. However, on its second day, the movie witnessed an 88.79% increase in collections, with earnings reaching ₹30.90 crore net and ₹37 crore gross in India. Worldwide, "Sitaare Zameen Par" has already crossed the ₹50 crore mark within two days of its release, which includes ₹13 crore from overseas collections. The film has surpassed the lifetime collections of Kangana Ranaut's "Emergency" and is expected to beat Shahid Kapoor's "Deva" soon.
The plot of "Sitaare Zameen Par" revolves around Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a suspended basketball coach assigned to community service, coaching a team of athletes with intellectual disabilities for a national tournament. The film explores themes of redemption, inclusivity, and personal growth, highlighting the capabilities and independence of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The cast includes newcomers Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharmaa, and others, who play the specially-abled athletes.
Critics have generally responded positively to "Sitaare Zameen Par." A review in the Times of India gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its balance between delivering a message about inclusivity and educating viewers about intellectual disabilities. Some reviews note that while the film employs familiar tropes, it effectively raises awareness about intellectual disabilities and showcases neuro-atypical youngsters. However, some critics point out that the film doesn't leave a lasting impression and that some character backstories are treated too lightly.
Public reaction to "Sitaare Zameen Par" has been largely positive, with many viewers appreciating the film's emotional depth and the performances of the cast. Several audience members have praised the film's message of inclusivity and the way it portrays individuals with intellectual disabilities. Some viewers have also expressed that the film has the potential to transform the way people see life and special children.
The success of "Sitaare Zameen Par" is attributed to positive word-of-mouth, which has driven increased viewership over the weekend. The film's strong performance is expected to continue, potentially reaching ₹40-45 crore by the end of its opening weekend.
