I just got back from watching 'Taare Zameen Par' and I felt that this film needs to have a new thread for it's post release discussions, of which I am sure there shall be lots. My comments will be limited to just a few aspects of the film and my opinion of the overall film. Thus this is not really a review as such.

First of all, let me state that I would not term this as a 'classic' and or a 'brilliant' film, although there are moments in the film that might qualify as such. But having said that, let me also make it clear that I think this is a very, VERY, VERY good film. Now did I get enough very's in there? As for Aaamir the director, he not only passes his first test with flying colours, but he also shows promise to be a truelly great director in time. The performances in the film are all around excellent. Having said that, I must single out the lead kid, Darsheel Safary, for an extraordinary and truelly award worthy performance. Aamir too is quite brilliant and has not hogged the film as many might have expected, after all his reputation does suggest that he tends to do this and specially considering that this is his own produced and directed film, one would easily be excused for expecting this. Aamir the director quite effectively pulls the audience into the story, where one actually feels involved with the characters. That in my opinion is no small achievement and is most lacking in the films from bollywood. But then again, I am not sure I should even classify this as a Bollywood film. Thematically and by it's treatment the film sets itself way apart from Bollywood and it's kind of cinema, which again is no small achievement in my opinion. If this were a Bollywood film, then what we would have gotten, is a cliche filled, sappy and over melodramatic 'Bhansalyish film'. Far from that, Aamir creates a realistic setting and very natural and believable situations in the film to get the story's point accross. By the time the film comes to an end, one is so caught up in the trials and turbulations of the 'kid', that one cannot but let their emotions out when the film concludes with a justified happy ending. I for one and my wife too, were literaly crying dollops of tears by the end of the film. No I don't think this is a spoiler, did anyone really expect such a film to end sadly? At the end of the film the vast majority of the audience just stood silently and waited till the very end of the credits, something that is an extremely rare reaction in an Indian cinema theater. To me, it stands testament to how much the audience was moved by the film. My problems with the film, well there aren't too many. I thought the pace of the film for one, specially in the first half could have been a tad faster with some editing. But then again, I think I might just be picking holes, where there are none to be found. Sorry, but it's a force of habit.

In closing, 'Taare Zameen Par' may not classify as a classic, for after all it is not a story that affords the director the wide canvas of a Lawrence of Arabia. Thus you won't find some great photography or any other brilliant technical elements in the film. But this is most definately a simple, yet very emotional and moving tale, told quite effectively and convincingly. There are moments in the script where the director does take some cinematic liberties, but then again this is not a documentary, but rather an entertaining and meaningful film. Aamir has boldly chosen a difficult theme, specially for Indian cinema, and has done full justice to it as a producer, no bollywoodish compromises or item songs etc., and also as a director.

This is probably the nicest film you will get to see this year, thus I suggest you see it as soon as possible. I read a quote of Aamir somewhere, he said "I will be really dissapointed (or was it shatttered?) if this film does not do well", might I add, 'my sentiments exactly'.

Kudos & welcome to Aamir Khan, another director whose films I will henceforth look forward to.

Anurag Kashyap's insight to the film. --> TAARE ZAMEEN PE- not a review