Sitaare Zameen Par to Ahaan: Films That Empowered Neurodivergent Actors & Redefined On-Screen Inclusivity

Inclusive Cinema:  In recent times, the definition of inclusivity has been redefined on-screen with real actors talking about the real issues of their lives as people on the spectrum. From being the silent and comic add-ons in a plot, neurodivergent people have become the plot thanks to daring co-actors, directors, and producers. 

Today, we will tell you about such essential works of cinema that empowered the neurodivergent actors and redefined on-screen inclusivity.

Sitaare Zameen Par (2025)

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par is a film about a group of neurodivergent kids who are coached by Khan’s character for a football match. Making the film unique is its representation of neurodivergence, with the actual cast of people from the spectrum who take center stage in the film as well. Khan is merely a backdrop on which the ‘special superstars’ of the film shine. Masterfully blending humour to bring the life of neurodivergent people to the world, the film is a must-watch from Bollywood. The film is available in theaters. 

Ezra (2023) 

Helmed by Tony Goldwyn, Ezra is a heartfelt tale of a parent raising children on the autism spectrum. The film stars Bobby Cannavale as comedian Max Bernal, and Rose Byrne plays his ex-wife as the two co-parent their autistic son, Ezra, played by William Fitzgerald, an actor on the spectrum. Marking the debut of William on screen, the film follows the challenges and joys of wins when being with an autistic person. Stream it on Apple TV+.

CODA (2021)

CODA stands for ‘Child of Deaf Adults’. The film portrays the family dynamics in a household where both parents are deaf, and the only hearing child is struggling to keep their head above water by trying to revive their struggling business and pursue their ambitions. 

CODA stars Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant, real-life deaf people playing the role of deaf in the film. The film is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

Ahaan (2019)

Ahaan is India's first Hindi-language film starring a Down Syndrome. Helmed by Nikhil Peharwani, Ahaan is a film about the camaraderie between a man with OCD and his neighbour, a person with Down syndrome called Ahaan. 

The character of Ahaan is essayed by debutant Abuli Mamaji, a man with Down syndrome. The film is streaming on Netflix.