In a groundbreaking move, Aamir Khan has announced that his latest film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," will be released on YouTube Movies-on-Demand starting August 1st. This decision marks a significant shift in how Bollywood films are distributed, bypassing traditional streaming platforms.

Khan revealed that "Sitaare Zameen Par" will be available for rent at ₹100 in India and in 38 international markets, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Germany, and Indonesia, with localized pricing for each territory. This pay-per-view model is a departure from the subscription-based services that have become the norm for online film consumption.

Aamir Khan explained that his long-held dream has been to make films accessible to almost every household in the country. He believes that only a small percentage of the population watches movies in theaters, and subscription models are not economically viable for films in the long term. He hopes that the YouTube pay-per-view model will allow filmmakers to earn money and continue creating quality content. Khan stated, "If a family of four sits and watches the film, then it comes to ₹25 per head, which I think is a value that works not just for the audiences, but also allows filmmakers to earn so they can make better content".

This decision to release "Sitaare Zameen Par" on YouTube is a bold move that could potentially disrupt the streaming landscape in India. Reportedly, Aamir Khan rejected an offer of ₹120 crores from a leading streaming platform to sell the post-theatrical rights. This demonstrates his commitment to this new distribution model and his belief in its potential. Aamir is hoping that this will be the blueprint for his future films.

"Sitaare Zameen Par," directed by RS Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan Films, is considered a spiritual successor to Khan's 2007 film "Taare Zameen Par". The film stars Genelia Deshmukh alongside Aamir Khan. It is an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film "Champions" and follows a suspended basketball coach who must perform community service by helping a team of players with disabilities prepare for a tournament.

"Sitaare Zameen Par" was released in theaters on June 20th and has been a box office success. By releasing the film on YouTube just 50 days after its theatrical release, Khan is significantly shortening the traditional theatrical window. This move underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in film distribution.