Hansal Mehta is praising Aamir Khan's decision to release his new film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," on YouTube using a pay-per-view model. Mehta views this move as a smart and forward-thinking step that empowers creators and broadens film accessibility across India.

Khan's decision involves releasing "Sitaare Zameen Par" on YouTube after its theatrical run, allowing viewers to watch the film for a fee of ₹100. Mehta lauded this approach as a "distribution reform" that gives control back to filmmakers, letting them decide when and how their films reach the audience. He emphasized that this model isn't a threat to theaters or streaming platforms but rather an expansion of the distribution system.

Mehta explained that the pay-per-view model and flexible release timings give films a longer life, instead of relying solely on box office numbers or OTT deals. He also noted that YouTube's wide reach, affordable pricing, and simple payment options could enable more people across India to enjoy quality films. Furthermore, the money earned after the theatrical run could help producers support smaller or riskier projects like documentaries or regional stories, rather than just big-budget, "safe" films.

Mehta highlighted several benefits of this model:

• Empowering Creators: It gives filmmakers more freedom in choosing when and where their films are shown, instead of depending only on large OTT platforms.
• New Income Options: It creates new revenue streams for filmmakers.
• Democratizing Access: It provides an affordable alternative for audiences who may not have easy access to theaters or subscription-based OTT platforms.
• Understanding Market Trends: It helps creators understand market trends through direct PPV performance data related to price sensitivity, genres, and regions.

Mehta urged people to celebrate this experiment, as it ensures greater liberty for both creators and audiences. He believes that reasonable pricing, easy payments, and YouTube's widespread reach can take cinema beyond multiplexes and curated SVOD shelves.

"Sitaare Zameen Par" is described as a spiritual successor to Khan's 2007 film "Taare Zameen Par". The film, directed by R.S. Prasanna, also stars Genelia Deshmukh and features 10 neurodivergent actors. It is available in 38 international markets, with localized pricing for each market.

Khan explained that his decision to adopt the pay-per-view model stemmed from a 15-year struggle to reach audiences without geographical access to theaters or those unable to attend for various reasons. He believes that the time is right for this model to succeed.

Hansal Mehta's support for Aamir Khan's pay-per-view release of "Sitaare Zameen Par" underscores the potential for innovation in film distribution and the importance of empowering creators while expanding access for audiences.