Aamir Khan Productions (AKP), established in 1999 by Aamir Khan, has become synonymous with impactful storytelling and quality cinema in the Hindi film industry. From its humble beginnings with Lagaan to the recent Laapataa Ladies, the production house has consistently pushed boundaries, addressing social issues and experimenting with diverse narratives.
The journey began with Lagaan (2001), a period drama set during the British Raj, where villagers challenge their colonial rulers to a cricket match to waive off oppressive taxes. This film not only showcased Aamir Khan's acting prowess but also his vision as a producer. Lagaan earned critical and commercial success, securing a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards.
In 2007, Aamir Khan Productions released Taare Zameen Par, marking Aamir Khan's directorial debut. This heartwarming story revolves around a young boy with dyslexia and his art teacher who recognizes and nurtures his potential. Taare Zameen Par received widespread acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of learning disabilities and its inspiring message, winning the Filmfare Best Movie Award in 2008.
The production house continued to deliver unconventional stories with films like Peepli Live (2010), a satirical take on farmer suicides and media sensationalism. In 2011, AKP produced Delhi Belly, a black comedy that became a commercial success. The same year, Kiran Rao's Dhobi Ghat, a film exploring the intertwined lives of four individuals in Mumbai, was released under the banner.
Dangal (2016), a biographical sports drama about a wrestler and his daughters, became a major commercial success, grossing over ₹20 billion worldwide. Secret Superstar (2017), another film centered around a young girl's aspirations, also garnered significant attention and became one of the most profitable films relative to its budget.
After a brief hiatus, Aamir Khan Productions returned with Laapataa Ladies (2024), directed by Kiran Rao. This film presents a satirical commentary on rural India, revolving around two brides who get exchanged on a train. Laapataa Ladies premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and has received critical acclaim. It was also selected as India's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
Looking ahead, Aamir Khan Productions has several projects in the pipeline. Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by Vir Das, was released on January 16, 2026. The banner is also producing Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and Shabana Azmi, which is set to release in 2026. Additionally, Ek Din, a romantic drama starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026.
Aamir Khan Productions has not only entertained audiences but has also contributed to the evolution of Hindi cinema by backing films with strong social messages and unique narratives. While Aamir Khan acknowledges that Bollywood has room to grow and learn from other film industries, his production house continues to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of Indian cinema.
