MOVIE ANALYSIS

A REPORT BY
JAPJOT KAUR
XI-E
 MOVIE ANALYSIS (SUMMARY)
Introduction:
"Taare Zameen Par,” directed by Aamir Khan, is a powerful 2007 Indian film
that delves into the struggles of Ishaan Awasthi, a young boy with dyslexia. The
film portrays the transformative impact of empathy and innovative teaching on
children with learning differences.

Plot Summary:
The film centres on Ishaan, an 8-year-old boy who faces difficulties with
reading and writing. Misunderstood by his parents and teachers as lazy and
troublesome, Ishaan's struggles are due to dyslexia. His father, to discipline him,
sends Ishaan to a boarding school, which only deepens his sense of isolation and
failure.

At the boarding school, Ishaan meets Ram Shankar Nikumbh, an empathetic art
teacher who recognizes Ishaan's condition. Having faced similar challenges in
his own childhood, Ram uses creative and supportive teaching methods to help
Ishaan. Through art and personalized learning strategies, Ram helps Ishaan
regain his confidence and academic performance.

Themes:
The film addresses crucial themes such as the necessity for understanding and
patience in education, the importance of recognizing individual learning needs,
and the power of empathetic teaching. It critiques traditional educational
systems that emphasize rigid discipline over supportive learning environments.
Character Development:
Ishaan evolves from a misunderstood and discouraged child to a confident and
happy individual, thanks to Ram's intervention. Ram exemplifies the profound
impact a compassionate teacher can have on a student’s life. Ishaan’s parents
also grow as they learn to appreciate and support their son’s unique talents.

Cinematic Techniques:
Aamir Khan employs vibrant visuals and imaginative sequences to illustrate
Ishaan’s inner world, highlighting his creativity and struggles. The film's music,
composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, enhances the emotional depth of the
narrative.

Conclusion:
"Taare Zameen Par" is a touching and insightful film that underscores the
importance of empathy and individualized education. It advocates for a shift in
societal attitudes towards children with learning differences, emphasizing the
need to celebrate each child's unique abilities and potential. The film’s enduring
impact lies in its ability to inspire a more compassionate and understanding
approach to education and parenting.

CHARACTER SKETCH AND DISORDERS OF

ISHAAN AWASTHI

Ishaan Awasthi is an 8-year-old boy who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD,
making reading and writing difficult and leading to forgetfulness and
hyperactivity. His rich imagination and love for painting allow him to express
his inner world, often filled with creative and out-of-the-box ideas. Ishaan loves
animals and enjoys collecting interesting objects, providing him solace in his
chaotic life.

At home, Ishaan faces a toxic relationship with his father, Nandkishore, who
frequently compares him to his academically successful elder brother,
Yohaan. This constant comparison and his father’s refusal to accept his
learning difficulties lead to emotional and physical abuse, deepening Ishaan’s
feelings of worthlessness and fear. His mother and brother are loving and
supportive, but initially fail to understand his struggles.

Socially, Ishaan experiences anxiety and depression, feeling isolated and often
bullied. His playful and carefree nature is overshadowed by his emotional
sensitivity and stubbornness, making him afraid to make friends and
leaving him as nobody’s favourite.

The turning point comes when Ram Shankar Nikumbh, an empathetic art
teacher, recognizes Ishaan’s dyslexia. Through creative teaching methods
and unwavering support, Ram helps Ishaan overcome his academic challenges
and boosts his confidence. Ishaan’s talent shines through when he wins first
prize in an art competition, demonstrating his unique abilities and the
transformative power of empathy and understanding.
"Dear Zindagi" follows the journey of Kaira (Alia Bhatt), a talented and
ambitious cinematographer who grapples with a multitude of personal and
professional challenges. Despite her success, Kaira feels restless and unfulfilled,
struggling with insomnia and unresolved emotional issues.

Kaira's Life and Challenges

Kaira's life appears glamorous on the surface, but she harbors deep-seated
insecurities and emotional scars from her past. Her relationships are turbulent;
she experiences a string of failed romances, most notably with Raghuvendra
(Kunal Kapoor), a film producer, and Sid (Angad Bedi), a restaurant owner.
These failed relationships exacerbate her feelings of abandonment and fear of
commitment.

Therapy and Self-Discovery

Kaira’s life takes a turn when she meets Dr. Jehangir "Jug" Khan (Shah Rukh
Khan), an unconventional psychologist. Initially skeptical about therapy, Kaira
reluctantly begins her sessions with Jug. Through their conversations, Jug helps
Kaira confront her fears and insecurities. He encourages her to embrace her
imperfections, face her fears, and understand the root causes of her emotional
turmoil, which are tied to her troubled relationship with her parents and her
childhood abandonment issues.

Healing and Growth

As Kaira continues her therapy, she begins to see significant changes in her
outlook on life. She learns to let go of her past grievances, forgive her parents,
and develop healthier relationships. She also finds the courage to pursue her
passion projects and make decisions that are true to her desires, rather than
conforming to societal expectations.

Resolution
By the end of the film, Kaira attains a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance.
She reconciles with her parents, mends her broken relationships, and gains the
confidence to create a meaningful and fulfilling life for herself. Jug's guidance
helps her understand that life is imperfect, but embracing its imperfections is
key to finding happiness.
"Dear Zindagi" is a heartwarming narrative about mental health, the importance
of self-care, and the journey of self-discovery. It emphasizes that seeking help is
a strength, not a weakness, and underscores the significance of addressing one's
mental and emotional well-being.