Aamir Khan Picks Cinemas Over OTT For Sitaare Zameen Par, And MAI Can’t Stop Applauding
Aamir Khan’s firm stand for the big screen has drawn high praise from the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), which hailed the superstar's decision to release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' exclusively in cinemas. The organisation described it as a “visionary” move that reaffirms faith in theatrical storytelling at a time when streaming platforms are fast becoming the norm.
A spiritual successor to the 2007 classic 'Taare Zameen Par', Khan’s latest venture is set to hit theatres on June 20, continuing his legacy of emotionally resonant and socially conscious cinema.
MAI applauds Aamir Khan
MAI — representing over 11 cinema chains and more than 2,500 screens across the country — issued a statement lauding Aamir’s choice to embrace a theatrical-only release strategy. It called the gesture a “powerful message” reinforcing that cinemas remain at the heart of communal storytelling experiences.
“Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres,” said Kamal Gianchandani, President of MAI.
He added, “As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ will remain a shining example of cinema’s resilience and its irreplaceable magic.”
Devang Sampat, CEO of Cinepolis India, echoed the sentiment, noting that this decision goes beyond simple box office economics — it signals belief in the long-term strength of cinema as a format.
“Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who creates for the theatrical experience. His decision to back cinemas with ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is a significant moment for all of us.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Aamir Khan Productions for boldly standing by cinemas. ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is exactly the kind of film that brings people to theatres, thoughtful, moving, and made for a collective experience,” Sampat said.
Also read: Advance Bookings Flatline For Sitaare Zameen Par: Will Aamir Khan’s Latest Fall Below Even Laal Singh Chaddha?
About Sitaare Zameen Par
Helmed by 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' director R.S. Prasanna, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' stars Aamir Khan as Gulshan, a disgraced assistant coach of a top basketball team. After losing his job, Gulshan is given an unusual ultimatum — serve jail time or spend 90 days coaching a team of specially-abled young players.
The film co-stars Genelia Deshmukh and introduces ten debutant actors, all of whom are specially-abled, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the story. The newcomers include Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.
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