Now let me clarify one thing first, I’m a "foreigner" living in India for the past 4 years, my hindi is still a bit on the low side, but hubby and I had to see this movie after we heard so many friends telling us how great it was. So we went, before the show DH gave me the usual synopsis I need to more or less foloow the plot of a hindi movie telling me it’s about the education system in India and a kid who is dyslexic.I didn’t need much more than that, the word dyslexic made me think of my sister at once as she struggled in the Swiss school system, so I could imagine in advance how being that way in the Indian school system would be. And I realised quite fast that I really didn’t need subtiles or hubby’s explanation, the whole plot was so superbly written that I even forgot it was in hindi to begin with.
What I was not prepared though was to see my familly life on screen! It was a rather emotional one for me, and I spent most of the movie crying with a knot in my stomach. The acting both from the kid and Aamir Khan was spectacular, all characters looked like they’ve been picked up in real life without alteration. And for once there is a movie out there that touch the sensitive topic of learning disabilities in a school system obcessed with over achievement. Making this one an ABSOLUTE must watch to all indian parents(and other parents around the world as well).
A strong message that good marks isn’t the only measure of one’s genius and abilities in life and a strong reminder to let kids be kids.
I wrote an entire review on that movie in my own blog already, with and emphasy on what dyslexia is and the importance to listen to your kids instead of pushing them to be class toppers: