Aamir Khan is making waves again, and this time it’s not just for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. The Bollywood superstar has reportedly turned down a whopping Rs 120 crore offer from Amazon Prime Video for the film’s digital rights, doubling down on his belief in the big-screen experience. While Aamir hasn’t outright confirmed the exact figure, he’s hinted strongly at rejecting multiple OTT deals to prioritize a theatrical-first strategy. Here’s why this bold move has everyone talking.
Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by R.S. Prasanna, is a spiritual sequel to Aamir’s 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. The film, a remake of the Spanish movie Champions, follows a disgraced basketball coach (Aamir) who finds redemption coaching a team of neurodivergent adults. With Genelia Deshmukh and ten debutant actors, including Aroush Datta and Simran Mangeshkar, it’s a heartwarming mix of comedy, drama, and social messaging. The trailer’s already got fans excited for its emotional punch and inclusive vibe.
But the real buzz is Aamir’s decision to skip the usual OTT route. According to trade analyst Komal Nahta (via Business Standard), Aamir rejected Prime Video’s Rs 120 crore offer, which would’ve locked the film into a digital release right after an eight-week theatrical run. Sources also suggest Netflix made a hefty bid—possibly up to Rs 125 crore—that Aamir turned down too. In a chat with News18, he all but confirmed saying no to OTT giants, stating, “I have said no to everyone. I am a believer in cinema. Whatever I am today is because of cinema.” His plan? Keep Sitaare Zameen Par exclusive to theaters for at least eight weeks before releasing it on YouTube via a pay-per-view model, giving him control over the timing and pricing.
Aamir’s reasoning is simple: he wants to bring people back to theaters. He told India Today, “I don’t know any business where you offer your product, and if someone doesn’t buy it, you tell them—don’t worry, I’ll drop it at your house for free in eight weeks.” He believes quick OTT releases hurt cinema attendance and is testing whether delaying digital availability can boost footfalls. It’s a risky move—trade experts warn that if theater turnout doesn’t match expectations, Aamir could be out Rs 120 crore or more. But with his history of game-changers like Ghajini and Dangal, fans are betting he knows what he’s doing.
The film’s already cleared the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without cuts, though Aamir had to fight for two scenes he felt were crucial to the story. With a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes and a U/A certificate, it’s set for a wide release on 1,200-1,500 screens across India. The buzz is strong, but pre-sales are reportedly modest, with projections of a Rs 9-12 crore opening—lower than Aamir’s usual blockbusters. After the Laal Singh Chaddha flop, he’s banking on word-of-mouth to make this a slow-burn hit.
Not everyone’s sold on the strategy. A Netflix insider called claims of a Rs 125 crore offer “absolute false,” and some fans on social media argue the film, a remake with a lukewarm trailer, lacks the hype to pull off such a bold move. Others praise Aamir’s commitment to theaters, with one post calling him a “true warrior” for even pulling the original Champions from streaming platforms like JioHotstar and Netflix to avoid comparisons. Whether this gamble pays off or not, Aamir’s shaking things up in Bollywood.
Source: Business Standard
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