Bollywood’s highly anticipated next big outing is Aamir Khan’s “Sitaare Zameen Par,” a sports comedy-drama directed by R.S. Prasanna. This film, an official adaptation of the Spanish movie “Champions,” is slated for a June 20, 2025 release. Initially, Aamir Khan had planned an unconventional release strategy, aiming for a limited theatrical run on 1000 to 1500 screens across India, with the intention of expanding the screen count based on positive word-of-mouth.
This initial decision came as a surprise to many movie buffs, as it’s a departure from the typical wide release for a star of Aamir Khan’s stature. However, according to a report in Pinkvilla, the superstar has now had a change of heart. Single-screen and national multiplex owners reportedly expressed concerns about the limited release strategy, believing it wouldn’t maximize the film’s potential.
Sources indicate that these exhibitors successfully convinced Aamir Khan to opt for a much wider release, now targeting an impressive 3000-3500 screens. Exhibitors are confident that the film’s compelling content, combined with Aamir’s significant star power and drawing factor, will attract large audiences over the opening weekend. This shift is crucial, especially since Aamir Khan is firmly committed to a “theatre-only” release, with no immediate plans for an OTT platform debut.
While the pre-release buzz for “Sitaare Zameen Par” might not be overwhelming, a broad theatrical release is paramount for the film to make a significant impact at the box office. A limited “platform release” would undoubtedly result in substantially lower opening numbers, potentially hindering the film’s overall prospects. This revised strategy underscores the industry’s belief in the film’s potential to succeed on the big screen, leveraging Aamir Khan’s commitment to the cinematic experience.