‘Black’, ‘Iqbal’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’—nine movies that portrayed specially-abled people with heart and honesty

Cinema is often considered a reflection of the society we live in. But when it comes to portraying specially-abled individuals, mainstream films have long fallen short, frequently reducing them to objects of pity or comic relief. Yet, amid the sea of tone-deaf narratives, there exists a growing list of films that approach these stories with sensitivity and heart. From Black, Iqbal, and Barfi! to The Peanut Butter Falcon, filmmakers are beginning to tell more nuanced, compassionate stories that celebrate ability over disability. They touch upon the challenges while also highlighting resilience, talent, and the quiet power of inclusion. Whether it’s a child finding his voice in Taare Zameen Par, a man defying the odds in Srikanth, or real children with intellectual disabilities taking centre stage in Sitaare Zameen Par, the message is clear: everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.

Black (2005)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is well-known for his larger-than-life sets and costumes, but this poignant drama takes a different and more personal approach. Inspired by Helen Keller’s story, the film stars Rani Mukerji as Michelle, a deaf and blind girl, and her teacher, Debraj, played by Amitabh Bachchan. Despite her blindness, Debraj infuses Michelle’s world with colour and purpose, helping her gain independence and even graduate. The role reversal towards the end is moving, as Michelle supports Debraj while he struggles with Alzheimer's and loses touch with reality; it shows the lasting power of resilience and care. It’s a reminder to keep going, no matter what, because strength comes from perseverance.

Where to watch: Netflix

Iqbal (2005)

If KK’s uplifting song “Aashayein” rings a bell, chances are you’ll connect with this feel-good sports drama directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. The film centres on Iqbal (Shreyas Talpare), a young, hearing- and speech-impaired village boy whose heart beats for cricket. With the help of a reluctant, alcoholic former cricketer (played by Naseeruddin Shah), Iqbal learns, trains, and rises—buffaloes doubling as fielders in their rustic practice sessions. This underdog tale is a testament to the power of talent, tenacity, and unshakeable hope. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Taare Zameen Par (2007)

Aamir Khan chose the perfect subject for his directorial debut because Taare Zameen Par was an eye-opener for audiences who didn't know enough about dyslexia. It stars Darsheel Safary as the 8-year-old Ishaan Awasthi, who struggles with dyslexia, making it difficult for him to grasp new concepts, information, and life in general. This has sadly led him to be perceived as lazy and academically inclined, leading his parents to send him to boarding school, hoping discipline will fix him. Academics aside, Ishaan is an exceptionally talented artist—a gift that goes unnoticed until his new art teacher, played by Aamir Khan, recognises his struggles and nurtures his creativity. Through patience and understanding, the teacher helps Ishaan find his confidence and thrive. The film is a powerful reminder to parents and educators to be patient with children, to look beyond conventional measures of success, and to encourage every child’s unique talents to help them shine.

Where to watch: Netflix

Barfi (2012)

Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, this heartwarming film teaches you how to find happiness in the simplest ways and never give up on the people you love. At its core, this is a tender love story between an autistic girl and a deaf-mute boy—proof that love doesn’t need words to be felt deeply. The film is highly entertaining, thanks to its engaging plot and phenomenal soundtrack, but it also handles its subject with genuine sensitivity and care. You’ll laugh, cry, and experience a full spectrum of emotions as you watch two imperfect individuals find love and discover that they are perfect for each other.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Theory of Everything (2014)

This biographical romantic drama tells the story of renowned British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, Hawking gradually lost mobility in his limbs—but not his drive or brilliance. As he falls in love with his partner, Jane Wilde, the two navigate the challenges of his condition while he breaks new ground in science. The film offers a moving portrayal of a man who defied the odds to expand our understanding of the universe and thrive in the face of immense adversity.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

This heartfelt comedy-drama stars Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen, with Gottsagen playing Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. After escaping from an assisted living facility, Zak ends up on a small fishing boat with Tyler (LaBeouf), a troubled man on the run. As they journey together, the two form a deep and genuine friendship, bonding over love, loss, and the pursuit of their dreams. The film offers a refreshing take on how disabled characters and their relationships are written and portrayed, tackling the issue of authentic representation both on and off screen. Unlike many films where able-bodied actors are cast in such roles, Gottsagen’s powerful performance underscores exactly what has long been missing: lived experience, agency, and heart.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

This documentary from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions is not for the faint-hearted. A powerful and deeply affecting watch, it revisits Camp Jened—a revolutionary summer camp that welcomed people with disabilities during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, when mainstream camps excluded them. Through archival footage and personal stories, the film captures the spirit of the camp and the lives of its campers. More than just a coming-of-age experience, Camp Jened became the catalyst for a political awakening, with many attendees going on to lead the disability rights movement in the United States. Their efforts culminated in the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

Where to watch: Netflix

Srikanth (2024)

Based on the true-life story of industrialist Srikanth Bolla, Srikanth is the extraordinary story of a blind man who, despite his lack of sight, possesses the gift of exceptional vision. Deciding that he isn’t going to live the rest of his life in poverty, Srikanth attends MIT and returns to India to launch his own company. The film stands out because it sheds light on the discrimination, bullying, and limited educational opportunities faced by the disabled, even when they have the required aptitude and grades. His dialogue, "Main sirf sapna hi dekh sakta hu," (I can only see in my dreams), encapsulates his relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a film about a blind man—one that will help you see life in a new light.

Where to watch: Netflix

Sitaare Zameen Par (2025)

Sitaare Zameen Par is a quietly powerful film that centres empathy and authenticity over spectacle. Aamir Khan plays Gulshan, a man ordered by the court to coach a group of children with intellectual disabilities for a national tournament. At first, he’s dismissive, frustrated, and completely out of his depth. But as he spends more time with the kids, something begins to shift; he starts to see them not as their disabilities, but as individuals with dreams, talent, and determination. The most incredible thing about the film, apart from the storyline, is the fact that the filmmakers chose to work with real children with disabilities rather than actors, bringing a level of honesty and warmth that can’t be faked. There’s no overdramatising here—just moments that feel real, raw, and refreshingly human. Much like society, Gulshan begins the story blind to difference. By the end, he understands what the film is really about: “Sabka apna apna normal.”

Lead image: Spice Social

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