Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic venture, Sitaare Zameen Par, has taken the global box office by storm since its release on June 20, 2025. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, this sports comedy-drama, a spiritual successor to the iconic Taare Zameen Par (2007), has captivated audiences with its heartwarming story and stellar performances. As a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champions, the movie follows a disgraced basketball coach, played by Aamir Khan, who finds redemption while coaching a team of neurodivergent adults. Let’s dive into the worldwide box office collection of Sitaare Zameen Par and explore its remarkable journey.
A Strong Opening Weekend
Sitaare Zameen Par hit theaters with a solid start, driven by Aamir Khan’s star power, positive word-of-mouth, and its family-friendly appeal. According to industry sources, the film collected ₹10.70 crore net on its opening day in India, with the Hindi version contributing ₹10.60 crore and the Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions adding ₹0.05 crore each. The film saw a significant jump on Saturday, earning ₹20.20 crore net, followed by a robust ₹29.00 crore net on Sunday, bringing the opening weekend total to ₹59.90 crore net in India alone.
Globally, the film crossed the ₹50 crore mark in just two days, with a worldwide gross of ₹55 crore. By the end of the opening weekend, Sitaare Zameen Par had amassed an impressive ₹95.75 crore gross worldwide, including ₹69.75 crore gross from India and ₹26 crore from overseas markets. This strong performance placed it among the top-grossing films globally for that weekend, even surpassing Hollywood’s Materialists to rank #8 worldwide.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the film’s box office performance in India (net collections) over its first four days:
- Day 1 (Friday, June 20, 2025): ₹10.70 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday, June 21, 2025): ₹20.20 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday, June 22, 2025): ₹29.00 crore
- Day 4 (Monday, June 23, 2025): ₹8.50 crore (early estimates)
By the end of day four, the film’s India net collection stood at approximately ₹68.40 crore, with a worldwide gross crossing the ₹100 crore mark, reaching around ₹103 crore. The overseas contribution of ₹26 crore (approximately 3.10 million USD) highlights the film’s appeal in international markets, particularly among the Indian diaspora.
Budget Recovery and Profitability
Made on a reported budget of ₹80–90 crore, Sitaare Zameen Par has already recovered its production costs within its first weekend, a testament to its commercial success. Industry analysts suggest that the film needs to hit ₹90 crore net in India to be considered an “average” performer and ₹100 crore net to be deemed a “hit.” With its current trajectory, the film is well on its way to achieving these milestones, especially given its strong hold on Monday, despite a natural drop in collections post-weekend.
Factors Driving Success
Several factors have contributed to Sitaare Zameen Par’s box office triumph:
- Aamir Khan’s Return: After the underwhelming performance of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Aamir Khan’s comeback has been eagerly awaited. His nuanced portrayal of Gulshan, a flawed yet relatable coach, has earned widespread praise, with critics lauding his emotional depth and comedic timing.
- Genelia Deshmukh’s Comeback: Genelia Deshmukh, returning to Bollywood after a hiatus, has delivered a heartfelt performance, marking this as her highest-grossing film to date. Her chemistry with Aamir and the ensemble cast has resonated with audiences.
- Inspiring Storyline: The film’s narrative, centered on inclusivity, empathy, and personal growth, has struck a chord with viewers. The ensemble of debutant actors portraying neurodivergent athletes has been hailed as the heart of the film, bringing authenticity and emotional weight to the story.
- Positive Reviews: Critics have largely praised the film for its feel-good vibe and sensitive handling of disability. While some noted it doesn’t match the emotional depth of Taare Zameen Par, reviews from outlets like Filmfare (4/5 stars) and Hindustan Times (3.5/5 stars) have boosted its appeal. Social media buzz, including posts on X, reflects strong audience appreciation, with many calling it a “masterpiece” and a “wholesome family entertainer.”
- Strategic Release: Released exclusively in theaters, the film capitalized on Aamir Khan’s decision to avoid streaming platforms, encouraging audiences to experience it on the big screen. Its dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions have also expanded its reach in South India, though the Hindi version remains the primary driver of collections.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its success, Sitaare Zameen Par has faced some criticism. Some reviewers, like those from The Hindu and Rediff.com (2/5 stars), found the film overly preachy or lacking the emotional punch of its predecessor. A few audience members on platforms like BookMyShow expressed disappointment, with some calling it the “worst movie of 2025.” Additionally, there were reports of boycott calls on X, though these have not significantly impacted its performance.
The film also faced a rare box office mismatch, with strong theater occupancy (e.g., 50.70% for Hindi shows on Sunday) but slightly lower net collections compared to expectations. This anomaly has sparked discussions among trade analysts, but it hasn’t dented the film’s overall momentum.
Aamir Khan’s Box Office Legacy
With a weekend collection of ₹59.90 crore net in India, Sitaare Zameen Par has become Aamir Khan’s 9th highest-grossing film, surpassing Rang De Basanti but falling short of Laal Singh Chaddha (₹61.12 crore) and Taare Zameen Par (₹62.95 crore). Aamir’s top-grossing films remain Dangal (₹374.43 crore), PK (₹340.8 crore), and Dhoom 3 (₹271.07 crore). For Genelia Deshmukh, this marks a career milestone, as the film has outgrossed all her previous releases.
The Road Ahead
As Sitaare Zameen Par enters its first full week, its performance on weekdays will be crucial to sustaining its box office run. With no major competing releases immediately following its debut, the film is expected to maintain steady collections. Trade experts predict a lifetime India net collection of ₹100–120 crore, with worldwide gross potentially reaching ₹150 crore or more, depending on its longevity in theaters.
The film’s success also reinforces Aamir Khan’s reputation as a master storyteller who blends entertainment with social messages. Its global appeal underscores the universal resonance of its themes—empathy, inclusivity, and the transformative power of human connection.
Conclusion
Sitaare Zameen Par has proven to be a shining star at the worldwide box office, crossing ₹100 crore gross in just four days. With its heartfelt narrative, stellar performances, and Aamir Khan’s signature storytelling, the film has won over audiences and set a strong precedent for meaningful cinema in 2025. As it continues its theatrical run, Sitaare Zamaeen Par is not just a box office hit—it’s a celebration of resilience, hope, and the stars who light up our lives, both on and off the screen.
