Aamir Khan, known for his dedication to meaningful cinema and the theatrical experience, has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer of ₹120 crore from Amazon Prime Video for the digital rights to his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on June 20, 2025. This decision underscores Khan's commitment to prioritizing the traditional cinema experience and exploring alternative release strategies in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
According to reports, Aamir Khan's decision to decline the substantial OTT offer stems from a desire to encourage audiences to return to theaters. Trade analyst Komal Nahta suggests that Khan aims to assess whether delaying a film's availability on digital platforms can motivate viewers to experience it on the big screen. In a post-COVID-19 world, where many films are quickly released on streaming services after a short theatrical run, Khan is looking to challenge this norm.
Sitaare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual successor to Khan's critically acclaimed 2007 film, Taare Zameen Par. While the original focused on learning disabilities in children, Sitaare Zameen Par broadens the narrative by addressing the perceptions and societal integration of adults with intellectual disabilities. The film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles and introduces ten new faces to Hindi cinema.
Directed by R. S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par follows the story of Gulshan, a disgraced basketball coach. After a drunk driving incident and altercation, Gulshan is sentenced to community service, which involves coaching a team of neurodivergent adults, specifically individuals with Down syndrome and autism. Initially resistant and armed with preconceived notions, Gulshan undergoes a transformative journey as he connects with his team and recognizes their unique strengths and potential.
Khan's move to reject the Amazon Prime Video offer is seen by some as a bold step that carries significant risk. If Sitaare Zameen Par does not see a substantial increase in theatrical attendance, it could suggest that the quick availability of films on digital platforms is not the primary reason for declining cinema visits. This could result in a personal loss for Khan, given the substantial sum he turned down.
Instead of immediately offering the film on a major OTT platform, Aamir Khan is reportedly considering a later release on YouTube via a pay-per-view model. This approach would give him greater control over the film's distribution, pricing, and release timeline. It also presents a novel way for audiences to access the film without requiring a subscription to a streaming service.
The film has received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. Early screenings suggest that Sitaare Zameen Par is an emotional and moving drama that could positively influence perceptions of Down syndrome and autism.
