After a three-year hiatus, Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, is back with Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that’s already sparking conversations and tugging at heartstrings. Released on June 20, 2025, this sports comedy-drama, directed by R.S. Prasanna, is a spiritual successor to Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor, Sitaare Zameen Par delivers a wholesome, family-friendly experience that blends humor, emotion, and a powerful message about inclusivity. Here’s a deep dive into the film’s reviews, box office performance, and its place in Aamir Khan’s illustrious career.
A Story of Empathy and Transformation
Sitaare Zameen Par follows Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a brash and temperamental basketball coach who lands in hot water after a DUI and an altercation with his head coach. As punishment, he’s assigned to coach a team of neurodivergent athletes with conditions like autism, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Initially dismissive, Gulshan’s journey with these young players transforms his perspective, teaching him about resilience, empathy, and the beauty of individuality. The film, a remake of the 2018 Spanish hit Champions, also stars Genelia Deshmukh as Gulshan’s estranged wife, Suneeta, alongside a talented ensemble of debutant actors, including Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, and others, who bring authenticity and heart to the story.
The film’s premise resonates with Aamir’s knack for tackling unconventional and socially relevant themes, much like Taare Zameen Par (which explored dyslexia) and Dangal (which championed women’s empowerment). While Taare Zameen Par brought tears, Aamir himself has said that Sitaare aims to make audiences laugh while celebrating differences. As one X user put it, “Sitaare Zameen Par touches you, makes you question the way you think. It makes you laugh out loud, makes your eyes well up & gives you hope.”
Audience and Critic Reviews: A Mixed Bag with Heart
The response to Sitaare Zameen Par has been largely positive, though not without some criticism. Audiences have praised its emotional depth and the performances of its young cast. Social media reactions highlight the film’s ability to leave viewers both teary-eyed and uplifted. One viewer shared, “Just watched #SitaareZameenPar ♥️ Lovely movie, full of emotions, not one dry eye in the theatre in that ending scene.” Another called it “a learning for all—not only for special children, but for everyone,” emphasizing its universal appeal.
Critics, too, have lauded Aamir’s commitment to the role. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave the film 3.5 stars, noting, “This film wouldn’t have worked as well as it does if Aamir hadn’t been fully committed to putting himself out there as a hero-who-is-a-jerk.” Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV echoed this, praising Aamir’s ability to “effortlessly slip into the character of a temperamental man.” However, some critiques point to a lack of originality, given its remake status, and a slightly uneven second half. An X post described it as “a routine film. Predictable. Hardly any lol moments. Emotions don’t hit.” Others felt the film tried too hard to recapture the magic of Taare Zameen Par, with one IMDb review comparing it to “True Detective Season 2—a valiant attempt to recreate something unforgettable, but ultimately burdened by the shadow of its own legacy.”
Despite mixed reviews, the film’s message of inclusivity and its sensitive portrayal of neurodivergent individuals have struck a chord. Philanthropist Sudha Murty, after a special screening, called it an “eye-opener” for its portrayal of children with special needs, earning a standing ovation.
Box Office Performance: A Slow Start with Potential
Sitaare Zameen Par had a modest opening at the box office, collecting ₹11.05–11.50 crore on its first day, according to early estimates. This figure is lower than Aamir’s previous film, Laal Singh Chaddha (₹11.7 crore), and significantly below Dangal’s ₹29 crore opening day. Advance bookings were promising, with ₹3.31 crore from 115,344 tickets sold across 9,542 shows, and a last-hour surge of over 10,000 tickets pushed the gross to ₹6.88 crore before release.
The film’s reported budget is around ₹80–120 crore, meaning it needs to cross ₹100 crore domestically to be considered a hit. Trade analysts note that Sitaare Zameen Par is a word-of-mouth film, not a massy blockbuster like Dhoom or Ghajini. Taran Adarsh predicted a weekend collection of ₹30–35 crore if positive buzz continues. The film performed better in urban multiplexes, with Hindi 2D occupancy at 17.73% on day one, peaking at 32.50% for night shows. However, competition from films like Kuberaa (₹3.58 crore on day one) and Housefull 5 in smaller centers could pose challenges.
For context, Taare Zameen Par (2007) had a modest budget of ₹12 crore and opened at ₹2.62 crore but became a blockbuster with ₹82 crore domestically, driven by strong word-of-mouth. Sitaare Zameen Par could follow a similar trajectory if audience reactions remain positive.
Aamir Khan’s Legacy and the Film’s Unique Appeal
Aamir Khan’s return after Laal Singh Chaddha’s underwhelming performance has been a focal point. Known for blockbusters like Dangal (₹387 crore domestically) and 3 Idiots, Aamir has a history of turning unconventional stories into hits. Sitaare Zameen Par aligns with this legacy, tackling inclusivity with a blend of humor and heart. Fans on X have celebrated his choice of socially relevant stories, with one noting, “Dyslexia (TZP), Farmer Su!cides (Peepli Live), Women’s Empowerment (Dangal)… Aamir Khan turned them into blockbusters.”
The film’s music, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, has received mixed feedback. Tracks like “Good for Nothing” and “Sar Aankhon Pe Mere” add emotional depth, but some feel they don’t match the iconic Taare Zameen Par soundtrack. The star-studded Mumbai premiere, attended by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Rekha, and others, added to the film’s buzz, creating a warm, celebratory vibe.
Availability and Viewing Options
Sitaare Zameen Par is exclusively a theatrical release, with Aamir Khan opting against an OTT premiere to encourage cinema viewership. No official sources mention a Sitaare Zameen Par movie download, and viewers are urged to watch it in theaters to support its message and the industry. The film is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, with strong regional performance in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
Final Thoughts
Sitaare Zameen Par may not surpass the timeless brilliance of Taare Zameen Par, but it’s a heartfelt addition to Aamir Khan’s repertoire. Its blend of humor, emotion, and a vital message about inclusivity makes it a must-watch for families and fans of meaningful cinema. While its box office journey is off to a slow start, the film’s potential to grow through word-of-mouth mirrors Aamir’s past successes like Dangal and Taare Zameen Par. As one fan on X summed it up, “If you skip #SitaareZameenPar in theatres, next time don’t complain that Bollywood doesn’t make good films.”
Go catch Sitaare Zameen Par in cinemas—it’s a reminder that everyone’s normal is different, and that’s what makes us all shine.
