A special screening of Aamir Khan's latest film, 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' was recently held at the world's highest-altitude movie theatre in Ladakh. This unique event was organized for autistic children and their families by Picturetime and Dr. Daichin's Hopeful Steps Clinic.
The movie was screened at a mobile cinema situated at a staggering 11,562 feet. This makes it the highest-altitude movie screening ever. The mobile digital movie theatre was first introduced to the Paldan area of Leh in Ladakh to bring the cinema experience to remote areas. The theatre is constructed to operate in temperatures as low as -28 degrees Celsius.
'Sitaare Zameen Par' is considered a spiritual successor to Khan's earlier film, 'Taare Zameen Par' (2007), which addressed dyslexia in children. While 'Taare Zameen Par' was an emotional drama, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is said to be more entertaining and will "make you laugh". The new film retains the same theme of highlighting that everyone has flaws and weaknesses but also possesses something special. However, unlike the first film where Aamir Khan's character helps a child, in 'Sitaare Zameen Par', his character is helped by nine boys, each with their own unique challenges.
The film tackles the theme of differently-abled individuals with Aamir Khan playing Gulshan, a rude basketball coach who is ordered to coach a team of autistic players. Genelia Deshmukh plays his love interest in the film.
Aamir Khan has stated that his character in the film is the opposite of the sensitive and thoughtful teacher he played in 'Taare Zameen Par'. Gulshan is portrayed as politically incorrect and someone who "insults everybody". The film depicts his transformation as he learns valuable life lessons from the players he coaches.
'Sitaare Zameen Par' features several new faces, all of whom are specially-abled. The cast includes Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The movie is an official remake of the Spanish film 'Campeones'.
The film's narrative revolves around an arrogant basketball coach who learns empathy while coaching neurodivergent adults as part of his community service.
The film was released on June 20 and has already crossed the ₹100 crore mark worldwide.
Aamir Khan also held a special screening of 'Sitaare Zameen Par' for President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
'Sitaare Zameen Par' has sparked conversations around intellectual disability and has been praised for its heartwarming reactions. The film aims to promote inclusivity and empathy towards individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
