Aamir Khan's upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, has found itself embroiled in controversy shortly after its trailer launch, drawing criticism and sparking calls for a boycott across social media platforms. The film, slated for release on June 20, 2025, is being touted as a spiritual successor to Khan's critically acclaimed 2007 film, Taare Zameen Par. However, the trailer has triggered a multifaceted backlash, with concerns ranging from alleged plagiarism to the resurfacing of past political controversies.
One of the primary criticisms leveled against Sitaare Zameen Par is its striking resemblance to the 2023 Hollywood film Champions, which itself is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones. Netizens were quick to point out the similarities, with many drawing scene-by-scene comparisons between the trailers of Sitaare Zameen Par and Champions. Both films center around a disgraced basketball coach who is ordered by the court to train a team of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Critics have branded Sitaare Zameen Par as a "frame-by-frame copy," questioning the originality and creative integrity of the film. Despite Aamir Khan Productions reportedly acquiring the rights for an official remake of Campeones, the close similarities in the trailer have led to disappointment and accusations of "lazy storytelling". Some argue that the film lacks reinvention and cultural grounding, making it a missed opportunity to explore neurodiversity through a uniquely Indian lens.
Adding to the controversy, Aamir Khan faced boycott calls after his production house shared a belated message congratulating the 'heroes of Operation Sindoor' on the day of the trailer launch. Operation Sindoor was India's retaliatory attack against terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. Many on the internet found the timing of the message suspect, particularly since the actor had stayed mum on the incident all this time. This led to accusations that Khan was using the post as a publicity stunt to promote his film.
Furthermore, an old clip of Aamir Khan meeting with Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdogan, in 2020 resurfaced online, reigniting previous controversies. This meeting had drawn criticism due to Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan, and some social media users interpreted it as a sign of Khan's disloyalty to India. This confluence of events has led to calls for a boycott of Sitaare Zameen Par, with some using the hashtag #BoycottAamirKhan on social media. Some users expressed anger over Aamir Khan's silence on the Pahalgam terror attack and his perceived lack of support for the Indian Armed Forces.
Despite the backlash, some viewers have defended the film and Aamir Khan. Some fans appreciated Aamir Khan Productions' note on Operation Sindoor. Some argue that most Indian audiences are unfamiliar with the original Spanish film and that the Hindi adaptation should be judged on its own merits. Others have pointed out that Aamir Khan had expressed grief over the Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated his faith in the Indian government's actions. Some have also defended remakes, with one user arguing, "It's an official remake, so what's the issue?".
The controversies surrounding Sitaare Zameen Par highlight broader issues within Bollywood, including the industry's increasing reliance on international adaptations and the sensitivity surrounding political and social issues. The film's fate remains to be seen, but the controversies have undoubtedly cast a shadow over its release.
