Oh, I do concur with you about that problem. It also gets overtly didactic from there dealing with different kinds of “disabled children,” if I may say so. In a way, the didactic tone does go hand in hand with reducing the story of the protagonist to “how to deal with dyslexia.” Not to forget that the theme of *a* left-out kid giving way to a warm-fuzzy celebration of CHILDREN is in itself reductive.

>>”That’s why that documentary at the end — though nicely done — felt gratuitous, along with the scenes with other children facing difficulties.”
True.

Even in the straitjacketed second half, there were many things to like. In the climax, for example, it’s a superb touch when we see that Nikumbh too gives a sincere (and inspired) shot at the painting competition even as he wants Ishaan to win.

P.S. Sorry all, I promise that this is my last comment in this post.

I saw TZP and really liked it. And, I concur with your critique of the film too. I didn’t even mind the pigeonholing of the characters that much, but while the first half dealt with the universal theme of alienation of a kid, the second half significantly reduces the theme to how to deal with dyslexia. The kid after all, we realise, can do well in academics, is an exceptionally talented painter, and his soch is really well above average. My question is, what if he was truly “mediocre”? The film shies away from dealing with it. And, isn’t that why the film could conveniently end with a competition which the kid wins (as in getting his due recognition) with flying colours?

I have not read the books either! (Read Lord of the rings, Chronicles of Narnia … but not this one. I will check out the books sometime this summer – before the next movie gets released!). But my colleagues here told me that the film is a FAITHFUL adaptation of the book. When they were kids they were advised not to read the book, it seems!!! (Most of the churches took it offensive!)
That’s the reason it flopped here in US. But outside US, the film is doing good business (in Europe, SA etc., and it might do well in India too!). It’s low on action and more on character and plot development in this venture. Maybe once the action picks up in the next one, it might do better here and elsewhere!
I think the third film in this series is being planned to compete with third film of Narnia!! (Even the books were facing-off and the films would do the same!!). I THINK YOU WILL LIKE IT MORE THAN YOU HATE IT – That’s my prediction, if you see it!

APALA: New Line appears to have dug itself into a hole with this one. Have you read the books though? (I haven’t.) Just curious how the adaptation aspect is.

Shyam: Be very careful, or you too might be flamed with “Are you a white guy?” type stinker

Was busy enjoying X-mas & New Year holidays and stayed away from movies (except for Golden Compass – I enjoyed it but it did not go very well here in US as it is perceived (the books itself) “anti-god”!! What the heck!!!)

Anyway, great to know that Anurag tried to travel into uncharted territories yet again!! Will catch it as soon as I can!! Thanks!