The stars were released in theaters on the ground on 20 June.
There is a specialty of cinema, it often fills us with emotions and takes us to a different world. But, hardly any film does more than entertainment. Some films bring change, it opens the mind, breaks prejudices and makes a bridge of understanding and the recently released ‘Stars Bhoomi’ also did something similar. The film has proved quietly, but in a powerful manner how art can contribute to positive social changes.
The depth of the influence of this film recently came to light when Aamir Khan received a heart touching, emotional letter from the brother of a disabled man. The words that touched the heart written in the letter touched Aamir Khan so deep that he had tears in his eyes. This letter shows what was the effect of ‘Stars Zameen Par’ on the audience. This letter throws light on the fact that the star is not just a film on the ground, it is a mirror reflecting the life of countless families and gives voice to unheard experiences for a long time.
The letter describes how this film impressed the audience in Cinemahal. As soon as the film was over, the credit role took place and the theater lights slowly started burning back, a poignant moment in front of a family. While other people were talking and proceeding to get out, a speciallyed person suffering from cerebral palsy was still looking at the empty screen. Tears were flowing from his eyes and then he turned to his younger brother and he shook his brother.
This whisper was more than a question, it was a confirmation. This was the moment when the extraordinary influence of the stars on the ground became clear. The filmmakers not only made a film, they opened the door to a world that has rarely seen. The film worked to open the society and its innumerable layers and tried to show the beauty and complexity of often misunderstood.
It is written in the letter-
Dear Aamir Sir and Aamir Khan Productions Team,
This Saturday, when the film ended. The lights slowly started burning. Around us, theater was empty and people were talking, checking the phone, going home. But in the third line from behind, we kept sitting quietly. My elder brother, who is suffering from cerebral palsy and mentally and physically handicapped, continuously staring at the empty screen. Quickly silent, tears were flowing from his eyes. After the end of the film, he turned towards me and the words he said while whispering, he will remain with me all ages- “These are like us, isn’t we?” After hearing his words, I understood what you have done. You did not make just a film. You have opened a door for our world and called the whole country inside.
Power of representation on screen
For 33 years, my brother has been living in a world that is not suitable for him at all. In cinema, people like him have always been shown either as a character of mercy or an inspiration that is not possible. Never shown as a person who dreams, who is afraid or has a simple desire for belonging. Meanwhile, your film (stars on the ground) came and in 155 minutes, you did what the awareness campaign that has been going on for decades. You have shown disability not as a medical condition, but as a different way of experienceing the world. You have introduced families like us not as brave or broken families, but like ordinary people who are full of extra ordinary love.
This film was a perfection in itself, which felt like every frame, every feeling, acting but true. But, there were 5 scenes that shook us. We were surprised to see them. This shook us in such a way that it is difficult to tell this feeling in words.
1) When Kartar Paji says in your film- “It is difficult in families, but these houses are never old, because these children always fill their childhood. Their family lives in them.” This line was not a dialogue for us. It was an identity. In that one moment, you imprisoned many years of our life. Because this is our home. This is the thing that my brother brings to our life. Magic like innocence, happiness and childhood that never fade. Most people around us can never understand that what they call the burden is actually the biggest blessing for us. We are not just serving, we are flourishing, with a pleasure that most people will never be able to recognize.
2) When your character’s mother says, “Someone has to fight the whole world.” This entire scene was covered in me. Because I have seen that fight very closely. My parents have been standing with brother for 33 years. He has always stood for their needs, their dignity and the right to their own. He had to defend the love inside his family as well when most people used to say- “You are crazy who is wasting so much money and time to fix it.” Even after all this, my parents never gave up. He always chose love instead of people’s judges. Choose hope. Every time. You captured such a truth in that one moment, on which most people do not pay attention. It felt like you are telling our story.
3) The way your character tells the new coach that, children like my brother should know about the right way to understand and work with them, you were very spectacular. Rarely we see someone with so much clarity and love, what to do to support people like my brother. They should be supported not with pressure, but with patience. Not to fix them, but meet them in the situation in which they are in.
4) When Kartar Paji reacted on the comment of the disabled people not being ‘normal’, he did not raise his voice nor argued. He again defined ‘Normal’ with love, clarity and truth. ‘Everyone has their own normal.’ That one line ended the stigma of years in a few words. This one line gave the families like me to whom we had been looking for for years. A voice. The way of walking your head raised, not to convince yourself. Answer to the judge, not by rescue, but a way to give it with a calm truth. This line reminded us that the world, which the world calls ‘normal’, is a very narrow and scary version of comfort and everyone, including people like my brother, deserves to be accepted themselves, not to compare with anyone. I do not know how many people this line will affect, but I am very grateful for this, in a theater, in a theater, in front of 140 million people. it means a lot.
5) The thing of this film that touched us deeply, was how the film quietly, but in a powerful way, we can also learn a lot from these specially arbitrary children. In a world that looks selfish and transactional, these children love without any condition, trust others without any account and live without any irritation. This film reminds that instead of trying to ‘heal’ or ‘teach’ these children, we need to learn what kindness and actually means to be a human being.
Something you don’t know
There is something you don’t know. 28 years ago, the little boy met you during one of your shoots. You behaved with him calm and very lovingly. You took a photo with him and shared a moment. That boy is still cherished by that memory. On this Saturday, the same boy, who has now become a man, met you again. However, this time the meeting was not personal. This time this person got you through your art. And just 28 years ago, you made him feel as if he also had a value, he is also seen and understood. The picture of that day is still kept in our living room. Sometimes I find him smiling by looking at the kindness of one of the biggest stars in the country, looking at it.
We are very close to your home and office in Bandra, so close that my brother has often seen your car passing, and whenever he sees your car passing, his eyes shine with enthusiasm. This Friday, on 27 June, it is taking place on 33 years. And your film has already given him so much happiness and identity as we cannot give till date. The opportunity to meet you for a while will make his birthday memorable. He has been a fan not only as an actor but also as a human being for years. If you meet him, it will feel like a dream come true for him.
What have you really done
After watching your film, people will only celebrate variation. They will see disability not as limit but as a different kind of strength. This is not just a film, but a nation building through the story.
Wave
Right now, your film is being interacted in the homes of India due to your film. Parents are looking at their disabled children with a new look. Brothers and sisters are searching for words to express their feelings, which they always kept inside themselves. Teachers are questioning their methods. The society is facing its prejudices. You have created a movement in the name of entertainment.
thank you so much. God bless you and the whole team, because you have given the world something very good as this film.
,
‘Stars Bhumi Par’ has moved beyond the boundaries of a film to become a ray of hope and understanding. It has not only entertained, but has also recognized their experiences educated, motivated and most importantly to countless families. By presenting disability with so much authenticity and compassion, the film has waged an important conversation and has promoted a more inclusive approach. It is really appropriate to call this cinematic achievement the beginning of a powerful and very important social movement.
Latest bollywood news
