Like Stars on Earth
A sensitive child overwhelmed by academic expectations finds recognition and hope through an imaginative art teacher.
Overview
A heartfelt journey of a boy who sees the world differently and finds his true self through art and understanding.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- heartwarming
- empathetic
- wistful
- family viewing
- classroom discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a deeply affecting, emotionally engaging Indian drama with strong performances, humane educational themes, and Aamir Khan's assured directorial debut, while noting occasional over-sentimentality and didacticism.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ishaan's dyslexia is treated by adults as academic failure and bad behavior before Nikumbh recognizes his needs.
Ishaan's paintings, animated fantasies, and imaginative perception shape how the film represents his inner world.
Art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh patiently investigates Ishaan's struggles and helps him regain self-belief.
The boarding school and Ishaan's family measure success through homework, marks, neatness, and obedience.
Films like Like Stars on Earth, and why
Dead Poets Society
shares a heartfelt school setting, child-centered drama, and an uplifting teacher-student bond
The Chorus
shares an emotionally direct coming-of-age story about educational pressure, individuality, and supportive mentorship
The Miracle Worker
shares a warm, inspirational school drama centered on a struggling child and a compassionate teacher
Billy Elliot
shares family conflict, childhood vulnerability, and a restorative journey toward self-confidence
Movie Details
- Director
- Aamir Khan
- Release Date
- 2007-12-20
- Runtime
- 162 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (1416)
Cast
- Darsheel Safary
- Aamir Khan
- Tisca Chopra
- Vipin Sharma
- Tanay Chheda
- Sachet Engineer
- Girija Oak
- Shankar Sachdev
- Rajgopal Iyer
- Ravi Khanvilkar
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Like Stars on Earth about?
- A sensitive child overwhelmed by academic expectations finds recognition and hope through an imaginative art teacher.
- What is Like Stars on Earth like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Like Stars on Earth as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Like Stars on Earth violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Like Stars on Earth.
- What did critics think of Like Stars on Earth?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a deeply affecting, emotionally engaging Indian drama with strong performances, humane educational themes, and Aamir Khan's assured directorial debut, while noting occasional over-sentimentality and didacticism.
- Which films are like Like Stars on Earth?
- Films with a similar feel include Dead Poets Society, The Chorus, The Miracle Worker, and Billy Elliot.
- How long is Like Stars on Earth?
- Like Stars on Earth runs 162 minutes.
- Where can I watch Like Stars on Earth?
- In United States, Like Stars on Earth is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube.
