By Andrea K. Hammer
With the vital point that “Every Child Is Special” featured prominently on the DVD cover of Like Stars on Earth, actor and director Aamir Khan reminds viewers to focus on individual talents and strengths.
Uplifting and Lifesaving Arrival of New Art Teacher
Adults’ harsh criticism of an imaginative but dyslexic child who is labeled as “naughty” and “mischievous” is painful to watch and may even tempt some to pull the plug before the end of the movie. However, the delayed but uplifting and lifesaving arrival and creative teaching techniques of art teacher Nikumbh are critical for parents and educators to adopt.
Classroom Mayhem Transformed Into Curiosity
In the most magical scene in Like Stars on Earth, a sweetly played flute grabs the attention of a boisterous classroom of suddenly curious boys. As they search for the hidden source of lilting music, the previous mayhem is suddenly transformed into a focused sense of wonder and fascination. When the new art teacher Nikumbh (Aamir Khan) finally bursts onto the scene in a colorful clown costume, the children are encouraged to join him in joyful and recurring rounds of singing and dancing (following the delightful choreography by Deepa Bhatia).
Previously Mislabeled Child Allowed to Flourish
When the art teacher Nikumbh notices that Ishaan (Darsheel Safary) is the only child remaining glum and disengaged, he makes it his mission to uncover the source of this problem. As a gifted young actor, Darsheel Safary delivers a remarkable performance, embodying the frustration and subsequent depression resulting from adults overlooking his artistic gifts. With his new art teacher’s support and extra one-on-one attention, this child is finally recognized and allowed to flourish.
Bonus DVD Essential Viewing in Special Film Package
The lengthy bonus DVD, including an extended explanation of “The Making of Like Stars on Earth,” and a panel discussion about children, is essential viewing is this special film package. Illumination of the multitude of details involved in the creation of this film—from claymation to animation—enhances appreciation for this unique movie about children. During the discussion, the observation that every child needs four elements to thrive—safety, trust, respect and love—is a mantra worthy of hourly repetition.
Critical Messages for All Parents and Educators
Many of these critical messages continue to replay in viewers’ minds, along with the joyful music and dance scenes. In Like Stars on Earth, Aamir Khan successfully underscores the undeniable fact that “Every Child Is Special” in a film that should be required viewing for all parents and educators.
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