Like Stars on Earth - Ending Explained

The entire plot of "Like Stars on Earth" builds towards the diagnosis and healing of its protagonist, Ishaan Awasthi. After being sent to a boarding school for his poor grades and disruptive behavior, Ishaan, who is suffering from undiagnosed dyslexia, falls into a severe depression. The turning point is the arrival of art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh, who recognizes the signs of dyslexia in Ishaan's work, having experienced the same disability in his own childhood.

Nikumbh takes a multi-pronged approach to help Ishaan. He first travels to Mumbai to meet Ishaan's parents, showing them his son's old notebooks to reveal the consistent patterns of letter-reversals and spatial confusion, thereby explaining that Ishaan's problem is neurological, not attitudinal. This revelation shatters the father's harsh perception of his son. Back at school, Nikumbh gets the principal's permission to work with Ishaan one-on-one. Using specialized, multi-sensory techniques, he patiently teaches Ishaan to read and write. Simultaneously, he works to restore Ishaan's shattered self-esteem, most notably by dedicating a class to famous dyslexics who achieved greatness, like Einstein and da Vinci.

The climax of the film is a school-wide art competition organized by Nikumbh. While everyone else paints, Ishaan, who had given up art, is initially hesitant. He then creates a stunning and vibrant painting of a child sitting by a pond, a piece that reflects his own rediscovered inner world. This painting wins first prize. In a deeply moving moment, Nikumbh reveals his own painting for the competition: a beautiful, smiling portrait of Ishaan, which is declared the runner-up. The hidden meaning is clear: the teacher's greatest creation is his student's success. On the last day of school, Ishaan's parents are stunned by his academic and emotional transformation. His father, overcome with emotion, tearfully thanks Nikumbh. As they leave, Ishaan runs back to give his teacher a final, heartfelt hug, symbolizing his complete healing and the profound bond they've formed.