Aamir Khan, Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, made a much-anticipated return to the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that has captured hearts and sparked conversations. Released on June 20, 2025, this spiritual successor to the iconic Taare Zameen Par (2007) has been a topic of excitement for fans and critics alike. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the movie blends humor, emotion, and a powerful message of inclusivity, making it a unique cinematic offering. Let’s dive into its release, box office performance, and the buzz surrounding it.
Release Date and Initial Hype
Sitaare Zameen Par hit theaters on June 20, 2025, after much anticipation fueled by its connection to Taare Zameen Par and Aamir’s reputation for delivering meaningful cinema. The film, an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champions, was initially slated for a December 2024 release but was postponed to ensure Aamir’s signature polish in post-production. The delay only heightened expectations, with fans eager to see how this sports comedy-drama would tackle themes of mental health and neurodiversity.
The film’s release was marked by a star-studded premiere in Mumbai, attended by Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Rekha. This glamorous event set the tone for the film’s warm reception, with early social media reactions praising its emotional depth and the performances of its cast, particularly the ten debutant actors portraying neurodivergent characters. Aamir’s decision to opt for an exclusive theatrical release, turning down a reported ₹120 crore offer from Amazon Prime Video, underscored his commitment to the big-screen experience, a move applauded by exhibitors and fans alike.
Box Office Collection: A Mixed Start with Promise
The box office journey of Sitaare Zameen Par began with a modest but encouraging start. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film earned approximately ₹11.50 crore on its opening day in India, surpassing initial predictions of a single-digit figure ranging from ₹5-9 crore. This double-digit opening, while not on par with Aamir’s earlier blockbusters like Dangal or Ghajini, marked a significant improvement over his last release, Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), which opened at ₹11.70 crore but faced challenges in sustaining momentum.
Advance bookings for Sitaare Zameen Par reflected a slow but steady build-up, with ₹3.31 crore from 115,344 tickets sold across 9,542 shows nationwide before release. Including blocked seats, the pre-release collection reached ₹6.88 crore. The Hindi version led with ₹3.19 crore, while Tamil and Telugu versions contributed modestly. Delhi NCR emerged as the top-performing region, grossing ₹1.32 crore in advance bookings. A last-hour surge of over 10,000 ticket sales on release day signaled growing audience interest, particularly for evening shows, which saw an occupancy of 20.21% compared to 16.74% for morning shows.
Despite the positive buzz, some trade analysts noted that the opening was underwhelming for an Aamir Khan film, given his star power and the film’s emotional appeal. Taran Adarsh pointed out that the advance bookings were not in sync with Aamir’s stature, emphasizing that Sitaare Zameen Par is a word-of-mouth film likely to grow over the weekend if audience reactions remain strong. The film’s performance in multiplexes and urban centers is expected to outshine smaller markets, where Housefull 5 continues to dominate in its third week.
A Story That Resonates
Sitaare Zameen Par follows Gulshan Arora, a brash basketball coach played by Aamir Khan, who is sentenced to community service after a DUI incident. Tasked with coaching a team of neurodivergent adults, Gulshan’s journey transforms from prejudice to profound respect, delivering a heartfelt message about acceptance and individuality. The film stars Genelia Deshmukh as his estranged wife, Suneeta, and introduces ten specially-abled debutants who have been widely praised for their authentic and moving performances.
Critics have lauded the film’s sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity, with Sudha Murty calling it an “eye-opener” that promotes inclusivity. Reviews highlight Aamir’s committed performance and the film’s balance of humor and emotion, though some note it lacks the raw emotional punch of Taare Zameen Par. The music, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, has been a standout, with singles like “Good for Nothing” and “Sar Aankhon Pe Mere” adding to the film’s charm.
Challenges and Expectations
While Sitaare Zameen Par has received positive reviews, its box office journey faces challenges. Aamir’s recent films, Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha, underperformed, raising the stakes for this release. Some reports suggest the film’s ₹80-120 crore budget requires a net collection of at least ₹100 crore in India to be considered a hit. With a single-digit opening predicted by some, achieving this target will depend heavily on sustained word-of-mouth over the weekend and beyond.
The film’s solo release window, with minimal competition except for the lingering Housefull 5, gives it room to grow. Aamir’s strategic platform release, increasing showtimes based on real-time demand, aims to capitalize on positive audience feedback. Posts on X reflect optimism, with users like @Rancho119 expressing hope that the film could break box office barriers for a “soft-hearted” story, though others caution that it may not match the explosive openings of action-driven films.
The Road Ahead
Sitaare Zameen Par is more than just a box office story—it’s a testament to Aamir Khan’s commitment to meaningful storytelling. While its opening day collection of ₹11.50 crore is a decent start, the film’s true success will hinge on its ability to connect with audiences over the coming weeks. Early reviews suggest it has the heart to do so, with its focus on neurodiversity and inclusivity resonating deeply. As trade expert Girish Wankhede predicted, the film could reach ₹30-35 crore over its opening weekend if the positive buzz continues.
For fans of Aamir Khan and those who cherish cinema with a soul, Sitaare Zameen Par is a reminder of why stories matter. Whether it reaches the ₹100 crore mark or not, its impact on audiences and its message of acceptance are already making it a winner in the hearts of many. Go catch it in theaters—you might just leave with a smile and a fuller heart.
