Aamir Khan has always been known for his unconventional choices, both in the characters he plays and in the way he approaches filmmaking. From portraying an alien in PK to transforming into a retired wrestler in Dangal, and now playing a short-tempered basketball coach in Sitaare Zameen Par, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of mainstream Bollywood storytelling. This time, his bold move came not just in the film’s content, but in its release strategy.

After its theatrical release in June, Sitaare Zameen Par began streaming on Aamir Khan’s official YouTube channel for Rs 100 per viewing. The decision sparked curiosity and debate among audiences, as pay-per-view models are rare in Indian cinema. Speaking in a candid interview, Aamir revealed that this choice was driven by a simple but powerful idea  to make the film accessible to a much larger audience, especially in regions where theatres are scarce.

According to Aamir, even the biggest blockbusters in India only manage to reach about two to three percent of the population through theatres. For a film like Sitaare Zameen Par, the total theatrical audience would likely be around one crore people by the end of its run. In a country with limited cinema infrastructure but rapidly growing internet access, the pay-per-view model seemed like the perfect way to reach the rest.

The actor admitted that his creative journey is never free from fear. He confessed that every time he takes on a film, especially one with an unusual storyline, there is uncertainty about how audiences will react. Yet, he chooses to follow his instinct and heart over playing it safe. His loyalty, he says, is to cinema itself  preserving the magic of storytelling, whether it is on the big screen or through new digital formats.

Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par tells the heartwarming story of Gulshan Arora, a passionate basketball coach tasked with training a group of adults with intellectual disabilities. What begins as a challenging assignment slowly transforms into a journey of empathy, resilience, and inclusion. The film is considered a spiritual successor to the 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par and is adapted from the Spanish hit Campeones.

By experimenting with YouTube’s pay-per-view release, Aamir Khan is testing the waters for a model that could redefine film distribution in India. Whether this move becomes a trend or remains a one-off, it reflects his commitment to finding innovative ways to connect with audiences everywhere.

 

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