When was Like Stars on Earth released?

The film first opened on 20 December 2007. Its US theatrical release was on 21 December 2007, and it came out on DVD in the US on 12 January 2010.

Where can I watch Like Stars on Earth in the US?

As of 24 October 2026, it is available to rent on Google Play Movies and YouTube in the US.

Who is in the cast of Like Stars on Earth?

Darsheel Safary plays Ishaan Awasthi and Aamir Khan plays Ram Shankar Nikumbh. They are joined by Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Tanay Chheda, Sachet Engineer, Girija Oak, Shankar Sachdev, Rajgopal Iyer and Ravi Khanvilkar.

Who directed Like Stars on Earth?

Aamir Khan directed the film, and Amole Gupte wrote it.

How long is Like Stars on Earth, and what language is it in?

The film runs 162 minutes and is in Hindi. In the US, it is rated PG.

Like Stars on Earth (2007): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Plot Summary: What Is Like Stars on Earth About?

Eight-year-old Ishaan Awasthi lives in his own head. He notices tiny details, such as bright colours, darting fish and kites drifting overhead, that pass everyone else by. In the classroom, though, things fall apart. Letters and numbers refuse to make sense to him, his marks keep dropping, and his teachers and his father, Nandkishore, read his struggles as laziness or defiance. His mother, Maya, worries, and his older brother, Yohaan, seems to succeed at everything Ishaan cannot.

When the trouble at school becomes too much for his family, Ishaan is sent away to a boarding school. Far from home and more isolated than ever, he begins to withdraw. His path shifts when Ram Shankar Nikumbh joins the school as a teacher. Nikumbh has a very different way of looking at children who don’t fit the mould. Released under its original Hindi title Taare Zameen Par (तारे ज़मीन पर), the film follows how a single adult’s attention can change the way a child sees himself. It never loses sight of its tagline: “Every child is special.”

Like Stars on Earth — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Review Guide: What Makes Like Stars on Earth Notable

Director and star: Aamir Khan directs the film and plays the teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh, sharing the screen with young lead Darsheel Safary as Ishaan.
Cast: The supporting cast includes Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma as Ishaan’s parents, Sachet Engineer as his brother Yohaan, and Tanay Chheda as Rajan Damodaran, along with Girija Oak, Shankar Sachdev, Rajgopal Iyer and Ravi Khanvilkar.
Writing: The screenplay is by Amole Gupte.
Themes: The story explores childhood, parent–child relationships, the pressure of academic performance, boarding-school life and the bond between teachers and students. Learning difficulties such as dyslexia are central to the film’s themes. Its tone leans hopeful, with openly emotional, melodramatic moments.
Origin: It is an Indian drama in Hindi, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, with UTV Motion Pictures and PVR Inox Pictures among the companies attached.
Runtime: At 162 minutes, it is a full-length feature that gives its story plenty of room.

Who Will Enjoy It

Families looking for a drama they can watch and discuss with older children
Teachers, parents and anyone interested in how children learn differently
Fans of Aamir Khan and Hindi-language cinema
Viewers who appreciate emotional, hopeful coming-of-age stories
Audiences curious about Indian school and family life

Release Date & Where to Watch in the US

Like Stars on Earth first opened on 20 December 2007. In the United States, the theatrical release followed on 21 December 2007. A screening was also held in Seattle, Washington, on 29 October 2008. The film arrived on DVD in the US on 12 January 2010, rated PG.

As of 24 October 2026, US viewers can rent the film on Google Play Movies and YouTube. It is not yet listed on a subscription streaming service in the US as of that date.

Cast

Darsheel Safaryas Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi
Aamir Khanas Ram Shankar NikumbhSee credits →
Tisca Chopraas Maya Awasthi
Vipin Sharmaas Nandkishore Awasthi
Tanay Chhedaas Rajan Damodaran
Sachet Engineeras Yohaan Awasthi
Girija Oakas JabeenSee credits →
Shankar Sachdevas Tiwari Sir

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Like Stars on Earth released?: The film first opened on 20 December 2007. Its US theatrical release was on 21 December 2007, and it came out on DVD in the US on 12 January 2010.
Where can I watch Like Stars on Earth in the US?: As of 24 October 2026, it is available to rent on Google Play Movies and YouTube in the US.
Who is in the cast of Like Stars on Earth?: Darsheel Safary plays Ishaan Awasthi and Aamir Khan plays Ram Shankar Nikumbh. They are joined by Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Tanay Chheda, Sachet Engineer, Girija Oak, Shankar Sachdev, Rajgopal Iyer and Ravi Khanvilkar.
Who directed Like Stars on Earth?: Aamir Khan directed the film, and Amole Gupte wrote it.
How long is Like Stars on Earth, and what language is it in?: The film runs 162 minutes and is in Hindi. In the US, it is rated PG.

Sources

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