Movie Review

Taare Zameen Par

Every Child is Special (2007)

Fernald Banzon 11 HUMSS Ople 5/3/23

 1. The movie focuses on a special 8 year old named Ishaan Awashti born to a
caring but concerned housewife named Maya Awashti and a strict father
named Nandikishore Awashti. He possesses dyslexia, a condition which
hinders his ability to recognize and comprehend letters. This condition
impairs his ability to read and write, subsequently stunting his education.
The film follows Ishaan as he navigates various environments that refuse to
understand him.
2. Ishaan is admitted to the New Era Boarding School in distant Panchgani, a
decision made by his father after Ishaan fails at his previous school called
St. Anthony’s High School. Despite recommendations to send Ishaan to a
school that accommodates to his needs, his father decides to admit him
into a boarding school in the hopes that it will "straighten" him out and put
a stop to the behaviors and habits caused by his condition.
3. A substitute art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, experienced the same
difficulties as Ishaan when he was his age. This shared understanding
allows Ram to see the potential within Ishaan and provide to him the
conditions that allow him to prosper. Ram attempts to help Ishaan several
times throughout the film: by talking to his parents, providing him with role
models with similar conditions, and modifying his learning methods to
conform to his dyslexia and provide an environment which will help him
succeed. Ram's encouragement and support assist Ishaan in his education
as well as his familial relationships. This all culminates into the final act of
the film, the art competition, in which Ishaan, now with regained self-
confidence and support, proves his potential by winning.
4. Nandikishore, Ishaan's father, has always thought lowly of his son Ishaan. This
perception he had of Ishaan influenced his behavior towards him. Ishaan,
coming into contact with his father's behavior, internalized his perception and
played a large part in Ishaan's depression and difficulties. Provided with
another support system, Ishaan is given a chance to excel in his own way and
exhibit his strengths left unnoticed under the standardized learning
environments of his old school. After Ishaan's win at the school competition,
Nandikishore becomes aware of his son's potential and how much he
contributed in it's suppression. Nandikishore learned that to provide your child
with the necessary tools to succeed, you must give them an understanding,
motivating and encouraging environment, that perpetuates a child's uniqueness,
instead of frowning upon it. It is the parent who must conform to the child's
needs, instead of forcing the child to conform to the parent's expectations of
what they should be.
5. The film was very moving, inciting in me an emotional response which can
only be described as an intense sympathy to all others faced with the same
discouraging and harsh environment as Ishaan. There were many moments
throughout the film wherein I was heavy-hearted at the sight of the injustices
caused by the standardized learning system and inspired by the will of others in
succeeding in spite of it. I believe that the movie carries a message that can
make society become more aware of the difficulties faced by dyslexic (and
other special needs) children in education and the steps to be taken for their
progression. Instead of perceiving them as "lacking", "beneath", or inferior to
able-bodied people, disabled people must be perceived as possessing the
same potential as any of us. Consequently, it is our duty as a society to do
everything in our will to make sure that that potential is recognized,
encouraged, and sustained.