As Sitare Zameen Par pulls crowds to theatres, we take a look at films based on differently abled heroes

Funny, friendly and empowering — Sitare Zameen Par, which dropped on June 20, made the world sit up and take notice of the differently abled. The film, reportedly, earned nearly Rs 60 crore in India over the weekend.

This sports comedy-drama, based on the Spanish film Champions (2018), is a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, which first brought autism into cinema in a tender, truthful way. That film helped the world understand not just a child’s condition, but the silent struggles and loud triumphs of those who care for them.

Moving on from stereotypes and misrepresentations, lately cinema has brought some really heart moving portrayals.

Main sirf sapna hi dekh sakta hu

Tushar Hiranandani’s Srikanth is the tale of Srikanth Bolla, a visually-impaired boy, who refused to be limited by the world’s expectations. Portrayed with powerful grace by Rajkummar Rao, the film traces his journey from being denied schooling to founding Bollant Industries, proving resilience doesn’t need sight — just vision. It’s a heart-stirring narrative that lights a fire of possibility for every dreamer who’s been told, “You can’t.”

Champion rukta nahi hai

Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion puts the spotlight on Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. With Kartik Aaryan in a career-defining role, the film celebrates the sheer force of will of a man who refused to stop — even after life tried to. It goes beyond the arena to shed light on the apathy faced by para-athletes, showing us a true champion is one who doesn’t wait for applause to rise.

Baat nazar ki nahi, nazariye ki hai

Rabb Di Awaaz by National Award winning director Ojaswwee Sharma tells the story of RJ Karan, whose life changes profoundly after an unexpected interview with Shiv, a visually challenged individual. Set in the dynamic environment of a bustling radio station, the film explores the transformative journey of a once-popular RJ, bringing fourth engaging discourse about inclusivity and mental health awareness.

Kabhi teekha kabhi meetha

Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan’s Hindi adaptation of Forrest Gump, reimagines a tale of neurodivergence with a desi heartbeat. Laal, portrayed with warmth and innocence, lives with a developmental delay but walks through life — and history — with quiet dignity. The film may not have sprinted at the box office, but its soul runs deep. It’s not about speed; it’s about staying the course.

Meri weakness meri strength hai

In Hichki, Rani Mukerji takes on the role of Naina Mathur, a passionate teacher with Tourette Syndrome. She turns her so-called ‘disability’ into her biggest strength, proving education isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. The film is a feel-good ode to every child written off too soon and every teacher who chose to believe instead.

Chhota mat samajhna

Ahaan quietly dropped on Netflix but made a loud impact. The film features Abuli Mamaji, an actor with Down syndrome, in the lead — marking a rare and powerful moment in Indian cinema. This story of a sweet, straightforward man and his unlikely friendship with a man battling OCD is full of humour, heart and humanity. No drama, just life. And that’s what makes it so special.

Main alag hoon, par akela nahi

Set to release on July 18, Tanvi: The Great is already making waves after its Cannes premiere. The film follows a young girl on the autism spectrum who finds solace — and power — through classical dance. Without shouting from the rooftops, it dances into your heart. It’s not just about neurodivergence — it’s about neurodiverse brilliance and how art becomes a language when words fall short.

Bollywood’s new language

Cinema, at its core, is a mirror. And finally, it’s reflecting lives that were once pushed to the sidelines. These films don’t just seek sympathy — they spark understanding, representation and most importantly, hope. From sports grounds to classrooms, radio booths to boardrooms, the differently-abled are being seen as they truly are — not as burdens, but as beacons.

The stories are changing. The heroes look different now.